Lewis: Palmer will "play some" vs. Colts

Quarterback Carson Palmer will "play some" Friday night in the preseason finale at Indianapolis, coach Marvin Lewis said this afternoon. "He'll be fine and ready to go," Lewis said.

Lewis also said cornerback Johnathan Joseph is the defense's "nickel player," the third or inside cornerback on pass downs. Joseph had been thought to be competing with third-year pro Keiwan Ratliff for the nickel job. Of Joseph, Lewis said, "He's a great blitzer, good tackler, understands what we're doing. He can hang with the wide receiver and eliminate him from the game."

Joseph was the team's first-round draft pick: "He was our starting nickel player the minute he walked in the room" Lewis said.

The Bengals will be playing four nights after their third preseason game. Lewis said the following players "probably" would not play: wide receiver Bennie Brazell (knee), wide receiver Antonio Chatman (groin), defensive tackle Marcus Lewis (severe high ankle sprain), cornerback Deltha O'Neal (knee) and linebacker David Pollack (hamstring).