Cincinnati Bengals Downplaying Unfounded Rumors of a Carson Palmer Return

Last week, I published an article about the potential for a Carson Palmer return and why it could come in the next week or so.

Echoing that, Pro Football Talk caused a stir during last night's preseason finale between the Colts and the Bengals by teasing a Palmer return. Similarly to my own, the Pro Football Talk article speculated that if Carson was to return, then now would be the time to do it. 

Needless to say, NFL Network picked up on last night's rumours and the story flared up into a media storm, overshadowing the night's action. 

As ESPN.com reported, Palmer met with the Bengals in late July, a meeting that seems to have become the basis for recent speculation.

However, it was following those talks that Mike Brown made his harshest comments on Palmer to date, suggesting that the talks were not fruitful.

“Carson signed a contract, he made a commitment," Brown said. "He gave us his word. We relied on his word and his commitment. We expected him to perform here. If he is going to walk away from his commitment we aren’t going to reward him for doing it.”

When questioned about the previous meeting and the fresh Palmer rumours, head coach Marvin Lewis was quick to drop his smile during the Bengals' postgame press conference.

He said, "Carson. Is. Retired." And when asked again, he reiterated, "Carson. Is. Retired."

Offensive guard Bobbie Williams also commented on the story postgame.

“We’re moving forward as the team we are right now and that’s that,” Williams said. “This is our team. The guys in here. They have to cut it down to the roster. I’m glad to be a part of it and blocking for 14.

A source close to Palmer told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter said nothing has changed in terms of Palmer's situation.

It seems hysteria over Palmer is not based on any new information, and any speculation over his potential return is gathering pace both due to the proximity to the regular season and because Palmer has yet to file his retirement papers.

There's nothing stopping Palmer from showing up for practice on Monday or for Opening Day on September 11th, but right now, rumours are simply that, rumours.

Stay tuned for more developments.