Bengals' Lewis: Palmer won't need elbow surgery

Dec 8, 2008 - 11:26 PM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer evidently has received positive news regarding his injured throwing elbow.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis said Monday that doctors who have met with Palmer have claimed that the franchise quarterback does not need surgery to repair the partially torn ligaments in his right elbow.

"Every indication of every football orthopedist that has seen Carson is there will probably be no need for surgery," Lewis said.

Palmer has played in just four games this season and has been sidelined since Week Five. The Bengals have not set a deadline date for Palmer to have surgery, and Lewis indicated that the team has been pleased with the two-time Pro Bowler's rehabilitation.

"He's done well in everything thus far," Lewis said. "He's had no (problems) with the issues he was dealing with before. We'll allow him to continue (throwing) further and harder with more regularity, more throws."

Although he still has not been placed on injured reserve, the 28-year-old Palmer likely will not play again this season for the woeful Bengals (1-11-1), who own the second-worst record in the NFL.