Should Bengals Shut Down Carson Palmer for the Season?

by Josh Kirkendall on Oct 11, 2008 11:19 AM EDT in Analysis

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?

Poll

Do you think the Bengals should shut down Palmer for the season?

Yes

119 votes

No

45 votes

164 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

Being in the ‘planning for next year’ stage of the season, there is no reason to play Palmer if he is going to injury is arm further, so sitting him for a few weeks seems reasonable. However, it would be nice if he could at least play at the end of the season when Caldwell and Simpson will be getting some playing time so that they can start to build a rapport.

by R.F. Mehl on Oct 11, 2008 11:49 AM EDT reply actions

..and build momentum for 2009. I agree.

Furthermore, if Palmer gets healthy, wouldn’t it be only fair to put the best players on the field each week — with only 16 game seasons — to both the players and the fans?

Blogger at CincyJungle.com -- SB Nation Cincinnati Bengals blog.

by Josh Kirkendall on Oct 11, 2008 11:54 AM EDT up reply actions