The Bengals are being guarded about Antonio Bryant‘s status, leaving a lot of room for speculation. Uncertainty abounds.

Bryant hasn’t practiced since the first day of training camp, and Bengals coach Marvin Lewis told reporters that the receiver is one of three players who won’t play in this weekend’s Hall of Fame Game. No question the Bengals are in no rush to bring Bryant back, and one reporter believes the team might be targeting the third preseason game, at the earliest.

We still have no official word, other than some vague comments from Bryant himself, as to the exact nature of his knee issues. Bryant has battled knee injuries in the past, including last season with the Buccaneers.

The Bengals appear to be giving Bryant every opportunity to heal, but that clock eventually will start to tick. Behind veterans Chad Ochocinco and Terrell Owens, the Bengals have a crop of youngsters in Andre Caldwell, Jordan Shipley, Jerome Simpson, Maurice Purify, Quan Cosby and Dezmon Briscoe. Former Jaguars WR Matt Jones also is in camp.

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