Bengals QB Palmer does not need elbow surgery

Jan 7, 2009 - 12:15 AM CINCINNATI (Ticker) -- Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer does not need surgery on his injured throwing elbow, according to a published report Tuesday.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reported that Palmer underwent an MRI in late December that was "reassuring" to both Palmer and the organization.

The newspaper said coach Marvin Williams has maintained his quarterback will not need a procedure done and has been proven right.

"Those tests didn't change the forecast, which is that he is expected to fully heal without surgery, as Marvin had said he expected, and be ready (for) 2009 and all the offseason work," Bengals public relations director Jack Brennan told the newspaper.

Palmer, who has a frayed ligament in his right elbow, said in the report that, of the five doctors who assessed his elbow, "most of them advised against surgery."

The two-time Pro Bowl selection suffered the injury against the New York Giants in Week Three, when his arm was grabbed while throwing a pass.

The 28-year-old missed the following game and returned for the Bengals' October 5 contest vs. Dallas but did not play the rest of the season.