Lewis says QB Palmer could return this season

Oct 24, 2008 - 5:49 PM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Friday a possibility remains that starting quarterback Carson Palmer could return at some point this season.

Palmer has missed the last two games and three overall this season with a sore right elbow. There has been speculation that the two-time Pro Bowler could undergo season-ending surgery.

Lewis hinted after practice Friday that Palmer, who will miss this weekend's game against Houston, also would be sidelined for next week's contest against Jacksonville. He failed to reveal Palmer's status for the Philadelphia game on November 16.

"Because of the bye coming up after (Jacksonville), it's probably going to be sooner than later," Lewis told the club's official web site.

Lewis also said he could see Palmer returning at some point this season.

"Yes. He's still excited about wanting to play regardless of when it becomes," Lewis said. "Whenever he gets the green light, he wants to play.

"At this point it's still on course the way the medical people see it. The green light could come if things get totally back to normal."

The Bengals enter Sunday's game against Houston with an 0-7 record for the fifth time in the last 18 years.