Now that Carson Palmer is backing up Ryan Fitzpatrick Sunday, likely not playing to rest his throwing elbow, one has to wonder if it's just smarter to shut him down for the season. From all reports we've heard, Palmer's problematic elbow won't be healed until he has significant rest; and the problem will last the remainder of the season.

The Bengals are heading into their sixth game of the season, they're 0-5, and the playoffs are out; unless they do something that no other team in NFL history does; start 0-5 and make the playoffs.

Palmer's the franchise. Not just the franchise quarterback. The franchise. What good could come out of keeping Palmer active, waiting week-by-week, hoping he plays a game here, and there? Will he play every other week?

Thoughts?