Bengals QB Palmer limited in practice

Oct 1, 2008 - 8:59 PM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer was limited in practice Wednesday, and his status is questionable for Sunday's game at the Dallas Cowboys.

Palmer did not start last Sunday's game against the Cleveland Browns due to an elbow injury. The 20-12 loss dropped Cincinnati to 0-4.

In Wednesday's practice, Palmer said he was limited to participation in running plays to rest his sore elbow.

"Nothing's changed. I'm preparing to play. I'm expecting to play," Palmer said. "I'll be a little bit limited in practice, but I'm getting as many reps as I can. It looks like it's going to come down to a decision later in the week.

"It's definitely getting better. It's progressing day-to-day. I just cross my fingers and keep praying and hope it keeps progressing."

Palmer, who had started every game over the past three seasons before sitting out against the Browns, had his best outing of the season in a Week Three loss to the New York Giants.

The former No. 1 overall pick insists he is erring on the side of caution with his arm. He said there are no damaged ligaments or tendons in the elbow and surgery is not being considered.

"I don't want to overstress what I've got going on," Palmer said. "When you do that, you start getting tendinitis or start tearing things and (it) requires surgery down the road. The training staff ... definitely (has) a long-term mind-set in seeing some progress and making sure we're not pushing it too fast."

Ryan Fitzpatrick would start if Palmer is unable to go. In his first start since 2005, Fitzpatrick finished 21-of-35 for 156 yards with one touchdown and three interceptions against Cleveland.