Palmer’s elbow not getting any better

By Neal Coolong  |   Sunday, October 12, 2008  |  Comments( 2 )

Cincinnati Bengals
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After starting every game since returning from a horrific knee injury in 2006, Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer can't shake a strained elbow on his passing arm.

Bengals coach Marvin Lewis confirmed Saturday that Palmer will miss his second start in the team's last three games when the Bengals (0-5) take on the Jets (3-2).

Fourth-year QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will again start for Cincinnati. He had a touchdown and three interceptions in his first career start in Week 4, a 20-12 loss to Cleveland.

Commentary: Rumors were swirling after Palmer's first game as a spectator that his elbow is in worse shape than the team is leading on. The words "Tommy John surgery" were kicked around, but Palmer played in Week 6 at Dallas. He looked terrible, missing a few passes in the red zone that could have helped an improving Bengals offense score a huge upset over the Cowboys.

The fact Lewis is shutting Palmer down well before the game doesn't mean anything more than the team can't afford to let Fitzpatrick not get as many reps in practice as possible. But with a despondent fan base already writing the season off, the Bengals need to rally behind Fitzpatrick and pull out their first win of the year.

It's not as far off as some may suggest, either. The Bengals competed against the Cowboys for four quarters, something they didn't accomplish against any team other than the Browns in their previous four games. Cincinnati is a franchise aching for a win, and Palmer being sidelined may be enough for the team to come together.

Fan Pulse: Judging by the epitaphs Bengals fans are writing for Fitzpatrick on the Bengalszone Message Board, they aren't particularly optimistic about their team's chances against the Jets.

Fantasy Football Impact: Palmer was likely taken high in most fantasy drafts, but the elbow injury makes him a non-starter, even if Lewis gives him the nod in Week 8.

Injury Watch: Palmer is officially listed as doubtful, meaning he may be used as the team's emergency QB. Definitely out for Sunday's game is linebacker Corey Mays.
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About Neal Coolong

Neal Coolong is a freelance sports writer with contributions to Scout.com, AOL and Steelers Live. He lives with his fiance in St. Paul, Minn., and saves every dime (that she knows about) for their wedding next June. He's already made the prediction that the Steelers 2007 draft class will be one ...
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