BEREA ­ Offensive lineman LeCharles Bentley's long road back from a serious knee injury took a major step forward Monday when he passed a physical examination and several running tests.

Bentley was on the field Tuesday morning for the first of five minicamp practices. He was expected to participate in individual drills, but it wasn't known if he'd be able to take part in team activities.

Bentley tore the patella tendon in his left knee on the first practice of training camp in July of 2006. He was the marquee member of the 2006 free-agent class after playing four seasons with the New Orleans Saints.

``This has been a long road back,' general manager Phil Savage said. ``Weàre going to try to monitor and help him through the rehab. This has been a long road back. We have to give him a lot of credit for the amount of work and effort he has put into this.