Palmer: It's Lewis' decision

With a plot full of as many twists and turns as a daytime TV drama, Carson Palmer said late this afternoon that the decision when he plays belongs to coach Marvin Lewis. Some five hours earlier, Lewis had said it was Palmer's decision.

“Marvin will make the call when I’m ready to go," Palmer said a two-hour practice ended around 5:20 p.m. "Once I’m comfortable and confident in my knee, he’ll make the final call. He’s the head coach."

Palmer and Lewis met during the afternoon, Palmer said. He also said it is unlikely he would play Friday night in the second preseason game at Buffalo.

Palmer said he would like to play in the third preseason game, Aug. 28, at home against Green Bay. That plan was in place, he said, since he returned to Cincinnati in March to continue his rehab.

"That was the goal, to come back for Green Bay, and we’re still looking at that goal," Palmer said. "I can’t predict the future andtell you if it’s for sure or not. I’m not going otknow until that week."