Bengals Quarterback Practices

Last year the magical season for the Cincinnati Bengals season came to an abrupt halt when Carson Palmer went down wit ha leg injury. At the moment it became crystal clear—to those not already in the know—that any success the Bengals will have rests squarely on the shoulders of Carson Palmer. The Bengals did not have a backup capable of carrying the team—and they still don’t.

Uncertainty is becoming a little clearer these days. Palmer arrived at the Bengals mini camp and actually attempted a pass. There is still a lot of work to do, but it was a start. There is still almost three months until the NFL season starts (preseason is just two months away!). The Bengals are at Kansas City on September 10th. There is no time to delay; their first game is a serious test. Palmer and the Bengals are hoping he will be ready for that game. That’s the goal anyway.

Right now he is passing for 7-on-7 drills, but no one is rushing him. Palmer is also watching how much pressure he puts on his knee. Cushy passing in practice is one thing, taking a NFL hit, especially a low one, is another. It is very likely that he will appear ready physically come the first official game of the season. However, when he is ready mentally is another issue. What will happen when he gets out there? Will he be thinking about being hit and lose focus on his passing? Will he get hit and get scared?

There are many questions, but the Bengals main guy is on the road back and that’s great news. Everyone in the organization is watching his progress and holding their collective breaths. For the Bengals to contend this season, he must get healthy and more importantly, stay healthy. A Bengals team without Palmer is not a successful one.