Palmer looking at Tommy John surgery?

By Neal Coolong  |   Monday, October 13, 2008  |  Comments( 4 )

Cincinnati Bengals
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As the Bengals gathered in their locker room before leaving New York with another loss in hand Sunday, quarterback Carson Palmer told reporters he was staying in town to visit with Dr. David Altchek - a New York-based orthopedic surgeon in the Sports Medicine and Shoulder Service at the Hospital for Special Surgery. He is also one of the doctors on the staff of the New York Mets.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports that Palmer is asking Altcheck for a "second opinion," which indicates he had a first opinion that he may not have liked.

Commentary: A profile of Altchek's shows extensive experience in elbow-related operations, including the dreaded Tommy John surgery.

Part of his profile includes a detailed explanation of Tommy John surgery, highlighting the benefits of the operation. The benefits of the surgery for athletes have been outstanding; however, it also is well-known that athletes usually need a year or more of recovery time.

While no one is confirming Palmer has been presented with this option, it stands to reason to think he's facing it if he's seeking out the opinion of a noted expert in sports injuries, most notably Tommy John Surgery.

If he is, the Bengals are looking at being without Palmer for the rest of this year, and half of next season as well.

Fantasy Football Impact: Palmer's absence isn't helping an offense that struggled mightily against the Jets in Week 6. The offense managed just 171 yards, and none of the Bengals' starters are solid fantasy options anymore.

Injury Watch: Outside of Palmer, kicker Shayne Graham was unable to go because of a groin injury. Recently signed Dave Rayner kicked for Cincinnati.
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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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