Questions for the Cincinnati Bengals at the Preseason Half-Way Point

The second half of the NFL preseason is upon us and, of course, the Cincinnati Bengals have a few questions that must be answered.

Will Carson Palmer be ready to go? The third game of the preseason is usually the most significant, with starters playing most, if not all, of the first half. The Bengals will be missing their quarterback on Thursday night when the Rams come to Paul Brown Stadium.

Palmer is still nursing a sprained ankle he suffered in the first preseason game. It appears that the Bengals are just being extra careful with their franchise quarterback. Even with J.T. O'Sullivan being a major upgrade over Ryan Fitzpatrick as Palmer's backup, the fate of the Bengals rides on Palmer's shoulders.

Reports are that Palmer has been throwing and might play in the final preseason game on Sept. 3.

Will Chad Ochocinco be kicking extra points? The Bengals signed free agent kicker Sam Swank to replace the injured Shayne Graham. Graham did not play last week in New England because of a strained groin and will miss this week's game as well.

Tight end? Anyone? Anyone? The tight end position has taken a major hit so far. Reggie Kelly is out for the year with a ruptured Achilles tendon. Ben Utecht has been dealing with the effects of his fifth concussion and wondering if he will ever play football again.

Will the Bengals' defense continue to improve? Does anybody realize the Bengals had the 12th ranked defense in the league last year? With the return of Keith Rivers and newcomers Rey Maualuga, Tank Johnson and Roy Williams, defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer looks to continue putting pressure on opposing offenses.

Is Chris Henry a changed man? Henry's talent and physical abilities have never been a question. It has been off-the-field wrongdoings that have plagued the wide receiver. He has managed to stay out of trouble and will certainly be a valuable weapon if he can continue to do so.

Will Andre Smith ever play for the Bengals? The Bengals are offering Smith less money than last year's sixth pick and this year's seventh pick. It doesn't make any sense, unless you are a fan of this team and understand the idiocy of the owner.

The Bengals host the Rams on Thursday night at Paul Brown Stadium. It will be the first home game of the preseason. For the first time since 2005, the Bengals will not be on live television in the Cincinnati area. The last game to be blacked-out was the final game of the 2005 preseason against Indianapolis.