Monday Morning Hangover: Bengals Camp Opens Without Rivers

The holdout of LB Keith Rivers could last for more than a few days if the issue is the percentage increase versus last year at the slot. LB Jerod Mayo at 10 got just a 6% hike, but some above the 9 spot have gotten as much as a 20% kick. The two slots above Rivers, No. 8 Derrick Harvey and No. 7 Sedrick Ellis, remain open. Reports out of Louisiana continue to suggest an Ellis deal is close, but it hasn’t happened yet — and Saints head coach Sean Payton is starting to take some shots at Ellis’ holdout through the media. No. 8 Harvey continues to stay away from Jags camp.

LB David Pollack has been placed on the reserve/did not report list. Pollack, who suffered a severe neck injury in 2006, is expected to retire, but hasn’t yet filed the official paperwork.

To no one’s surprise, Chad Johnson, DeDe Dorsey and Jeremi Johnson did not participate in the Bengals’ first practice due to injury and conditioning issues.

The way Pro Football Weekly hears it, the Bengals have high expectations for 2008 third-round selection DT Pat Sims.

The Bengals Blitz has five questions for camp.

WDR thinks the Bengals DTs are slightly better this year.

Hamilton County is raffling off a chance for fans to watch two games from its PBS suite.

AFC North Watch; Pittsburgh S Troy Polamalu is on the PUP list with a pulled hamstrong, as is G Chris Kemoetau, who has a triceps problem.