Carson Palmer - out for year, Tommy John surgery next?

ESPN is reporting that Carson Palmer is done for the year, but is delaying the decision to opt for Tommy John surgery. The report is that Tommy John surgery would repair the issue with his ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow.

Jake Delhomme, who had Tommy John surgery last year, has come back and is throwing the ball without problems this year. According to the report, Palmer's injury is not as bad as Delhomme's was so they are taking a more conservative approach.

However, the Cincinnati Bengals are 0-7 on the year. It would make sense to move forward with the surgery and get Palmer healthy sooner rather than later. Considering the issues that Tom Brady is having with his knee, it's a reminder that sometimes surgeries have complications. Although the surgeries would be different and each case is always unique, why not be proactive to better guarantee a healthy Palmer for the start of 2008?

On the year, Palmer has struggled when he was in the lineup. He has a QB Rating of 69.0 and has thrown more INTs (4) than he has TDs (3) on the year.