DaytonDailyNews.com

CINCINNATI — Will starting right guard Bobbie Williams become the Bengals'

No. 1 center?

The coaches said "No," claiming Williams is competing for the backup job only behind incumbent Eric Ghiaciuc.

But the 6-foot-4, 345-pound Williams sure cuts a massive figure in the middle of the offensive line flanked by tackle Levi Jones and guard Andrew Whitworth on the left side, and guard Stacy Andrews and tackle Willie Anderson on the right side.

"The other two centers (Dan Santucci and Kyle Cook) have had exchange problems; the ball has been on the ground," offensive coordinator Bob Bratkowski said. "We can't do that. We're getting Bobbie ready in the event he has to be the backup center."

Williams' goal is to emerge with the same versatility as ex-Bengal guard-center-tackle Eric Steinbach, who is now with Cleveland.

"If you can have a guy be a backup center and play another position like we were fortunate enough when we had Eric (Steinbach) here, it helps on how many guys you have to put up (on the 45-man active roster on game days)," head coach Marvin Lewis said. "If players can back up two or three spots, it's very helpful."

Perry's percentage index climbs

Tailback Chris Perry claims he's "87.5 percent" healthy after entering minicamp at 80 percent.

"It'll be a blessing to be back on the field," Perry said.

He flashed speed, quickness and acceleration the entire camp, and made numerous catches with his large hands.

"I certainly hope he can sustain it and maintain it, because that will give us some juice we've been lacking," Bratkowski said.

Heap of praise

Lewis singled out tailback James Johnson, cornerback David Jones, wide receiver Marcus Maxwell and outside linebacker Brandon Johnson as pleasant surprises.

Johnson (5-11, 202) is a nondrafted rookie who came out of Kansas State with questionable speed.

"James has done a nice job," Lewis said. "That's a position where, once you put pads on, you see upside."

Who returns kickoffs?

Rookie wide receiver Jerome Simpson showed impressive speed returning kickoffs. He welcomes that challenge.

"I always wanted to return kickoffs," Simpson said. "I did some in high school, but didn't do it too much in college. It's fun back there."

Tuning out Chad

Bengals players are worn out by Chad Johnson questions. Are they following Lewis' lead, or is it simply a sign of maturity?

"It's a combination of both," Lewis said. "They really don't need to talk anymore about it or listen or answer questions."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@DaytonDailyNews.com

Vote for this story!