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Carson Palmer Sees A Lighter Side About The Chad Ochocino Situation

Per ESPN:




Carson Palmer might not be writing off Chad Ochocinco, after all.


AFC North blog

ESPN.com's James Walker writes about all things AFC North in his division blog.

• Blog network: NFL Nation

The Bengals quarterback, who in a radio interview earlier this month seemingly dismissed the wide receiver who has skipped the team's offseason workouts, softened his stance in another radio interview.

"He's a damn good receiver -- that's obvious, everybody knows that -- but the guys that are working here and busting their butt here deserve a shot," Palmer said on Fox Sports Radio's Petros and Money Show on Thursday. "When he shows up he'll show up and hopefully he's in great shape and he's ready to play.

"But I never once said anything about not wanting him here and not needing him. He's a Pro Bowl receiver. He's put up a ton of yards. He's extremely dangerous to cover. We would love him when he comes here, but he's not here right now."


NFL.com Video

Carson Palmer says his elbow is stronger than ever and he's not worried about Chad Ochocinco.

Earlier this month, in an interview with NFL Sirius Radio, Palmer seemed to imply that the Bengals didn't need Ochocinco.

When asked what he expects out of Ochocinco this season, Palmer told NFL Sirius Radio: "Well, I really don't know. I haven't talked to him. I haven't talked to anybody that has talked to him. He wasn't here last year so I'm expecting him not to be here at all this year. Last year I think he was here for the mandatory camp but didn't participate in it. So I'm planning on him not being here just because he hasn't been here yet."

Ochocinco is training in Los Angeles, and is expected to attend the Bengals' mandatory minicamp June 18-20.

I honestly believe that the Bengals will be a whole lot better, if Carson can return as the old Carson and Ochocinco can straighten his attitude out and newly acuired Coles can adjust to the offense and with great free agency pick ups and a good draft. The fans will once again be singing "Who Dey"?


Fear da tigers...