Palmer out of a boot; likely out this week against the Patriots?

As of this morning, quarterback Carson Palmer was seen wearing a boot, deflecting questions to Marvin Lewis. Where in the book of good signs is that a good sign? Remember last year. It was never officially known when, or even if, Palmer would return with his bum elbow. Sure, word came down that Palmer is likely done, will need Tommy John surgery and a cream from the planet Galgavac to repair the elbow; provided Cartman's antenna pointed to the right star.

After the game Friday, Palmer said "I have no doubt I'm ready to go next week." Geoff Hobson writes that all "indications are that O'Sullivan will get the start Thursday in New England."

However, during today's practice, Hobson writes:

Palmer later appeared on an adjacent field with rehab trainer Nick Cosgray and wide receiver Antonio Chatman, who is also nursing an ankle injury. When Palmer came back he wasn't wearing a boot but rather a shoe with an ankle wrap, so he and Chatman apparently did some individual work with Cosgray.