Marvin Lewis said at his Monday news conference that the orthopedic doctors that have met with Carson Palmer have suggested there is no need for surgery to repair the partially torn ulna collateral ligament in his throwing elbow.
"Every indication of every football orthopedist that has seen Carson is there will probably be no need for surgery," Lewis said.
Palmer has also met with baseball specialists in New York and Los Angeles.
But a final decision has yet to be made because Palmer has not gone through 100 percent of his throwing rehab and has not yet thown routes or thrown his fastest and deepest balls. Lewis didn't say there was a drop-dead date when he would need the surgery, but he also said if things stay the same he won't need it.
"He's done well in everything thus far," Lewis said. "He's had no with the issues he was dealing with before. I think he's excited about it, so we'll allow him to continue further and harder with more regularity. More throws."
Palmer said Sunday he has yet to cut it loose and is now up to 25 yards or so.
Lewis also wouldn't rule him out for the final two games, but did say that Sunday's game against the Redskins was a longshot.
Lewis said that three players who have missed the last several games, left tackle Levi Jones (back), Antwan Odom (shoulder), and safety Chinedum Ndukwe (foot), have a chance to play this Sunday. Running back Kenny Watson (hamstring) limited the past couple of games before sitting out last Sunday, has a chance to reuturn. Running back Chris Perry re-aggravated a groin strain and is questionable.
Defensive end Eric Henderson (neck) and tight end Ben Utecht (foot) are the most questionable heading into the week.
