FanHouse JeffRowe

Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis told the Cincinnati Enquirer that quarterback Carson Palmer will be held out at least two more games due to his shoulder injury.

"It hasn't changed with Carson. We're going to let him rest this week and probably next week, and go from there."

The Bengals signed Jeff Rowe to the practice squad, which fueled rumors that Palmer could be out for a significant amount of time. Rowe was the Bengals' third string QB last season but was beaten out this preseason by Palmer's younger brother, Jordan.

Lewis shot down those rumors with the quote above, but it still doesn't bring hope to fans. Palmer will miss his third game of the season when the Pittsburgh Steelers come calling today, and it seems as if he'll miss at least one more.

You would think that they would seriously consider sitting him another week since the Bengals' bye comes in Week 10. That would give Palmer five weeks to get his elbow rested and may make him available for the rest of the season.

Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in Palmer's place.

Training camps are underway, the NFL season is a month off, and to get you ready for 2008, FanHouse previews all 32 teams, "heat index" style. We'll rate each club in 10 categories on a scale of 1 to 10, high score wins.

Quarterback: If there is one constant on this team, it is Carson Palmer. Sure, Palmer didn't have his best season a year ago, but his off seasons are better than many QBs best years. In reality, other things factored into his poor season (injuries to the line, injury to Rudi Johnson, receivers pouting). The only issue here is what happens in Cincinnati if Palmer gets hurt. They have no one groomed to come in. Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jeff Rowe are in their second seasons with the team and Carson's brother, Jordan, is fighting for a spot. Heat Index: 8

Running backs: Injuries have hurt this unit in the past couple of years. Workhorse Rudi Johnson finally hit a wall; Kenny Irons blew out his knee in his first preseason game; Chris Perry has never been able to stay on the field. Well, Rudi and Perry are healthy again, with 2007 surprises Kenny Watson and DeDe Dorsey around to give the offense a different dynamic. Cincy needs this unit to get back to form to allow the entire offense to explode. Heat Index: 4

Receivers: Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh are one of the best receiving combos in the NFL. T.J. tied for the lead in receptions; Chad was third in receiving yards. However, this could be the last season either is in Cincinnati. Johnson's issues with the team are well documented. T.J. is in his final contracted season. Chris Henry is finally gone and there are several guys trying to step into that #3 spot. Rookie Jerome Simpson will get a strong look, as will Andre Caldwell and Antonio Chatman. Chatman is the only one with experience and could get the nod. Heat Index: 8