Report: Bengals QB Palmer unlikely to return

Oct 25, 2008 - 12:46 AM BRISTOL, Connecticut (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer may have thrown his last pass this season.

Citing undisclosed sources, ESPN reported on Friday that Palmer is unlikely to return to the winless Bengals in 2008.

The report stated that Palmer is delaying the decision whether to have surgery to repair a "frayed" ligament in his throwing elbow. Palmer's injury is to one portion of the ulnar collateral ligament and he has been told that "Tommy John" surgery would repair the problem.

The two-time Pro Bowler has missed the last two games due to the injury, and three overall. He has not played since a 31-22 loss to Dallas on October 5.

Palmer's agent, David L. Dunn, did not respond to calls by PA SportsTicker.

It would make sense for Cincinnati, which is 0-7 for the fifth time in the last 18 years, to rest its star quarterback and let him get ready for the 2009 campaign.

However, according to the report, Palmer has asked the Bengals to wait "around two months" before placing him on injured reserve - a move that would officially end his season. The source said that Palmer "does not want to abandon the team until he's certain he can't play ... the win-loss record has nothing to do with it, believe it or not."

Earlier in the day, Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said he expected Palmer to return 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."

Palmer has suffered the injury against the New York Giants on September 21. The injury has severely limited the first overall pick in 2003, as Palmer has thrown for just 664 yards with three touchdowns and four interceptions in four games this season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will make his third straight start on Sunday against Houston (2-4).