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CINCINNATI — Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer is inching toward a final decision on whether to try to come back and play this season or shut it down for the year.

"I'm getting closer, slowly getting closer," he said on Wednesday, Nov. 5.

Palmer's injured right elbow has caused him to miss five games, including four straight.

The players get four days off — today through Sunday — for their Week 10 bye. Preparation for the Philadelphia Eagles resumes on Monday.

"I'll head home to California and see some family, some friends," Palmer said. "I'm still rehabbing. I'll see a couple doctors and another rehab person out there — just check in and be back, ready to roll next week."

Running the table

Why risk further damage to the elbow when the club's record is 1-8?

"We've still got seven games left," Palmer said. "We could still end up at 8-8. You never know what's going to happen in this league. Teams could fall off at the end of the year and you could somehow find a way to slip into a wild-card spot at 8-8.

"I'm not saying it's going to happen. But I'm not going to say it's not going to happen. All I can do is continue to rehab, continue to try to get healthy — as healthy as possible — and do what I can to help the team."

Close to home

Suddenly, Andrew Crummey is the backup center after being signed off the Washington Redskins practice squad on Oct. 21.

The University of Maryland product is excited to be 150 miles south of his hometown of Van Wert.

"It's a heck of an opportunity, coming in and being on the active roster after I was on the practice squad with the 'Skins," Crummey said. "It's a big career enhancer being able to play here and be near my family.

"It's a big learning curve for me. I'm not a true center. I played a little bit of center in college and two preseason games with the 'Skins. I got thrown in there at the last minute. I have some experience, but I need time to get the fluidity and confidence."

'The bigs package'

Rookie offensive tackle Anthony Collins couldn't remember if he was in for four or five plays against Jacksonville. All he knows is that it was the most action he's seen this year.

He got inserted at left tackle while Levi Jones moved to tight end next to right tackle Stacy Andrews. It's called "the bigs package."

"They're keeping me on the sidelines and keeping me dressed so I'm ready when it's my time to perform," Collins said.

Cajun food call

Free safety Marvin White is headed home to Port Barre, La., where he plans to indulge in some Cajun food.

"Gumbo and red beans and rice," he said. "I'll have some wildlife, too — rabbit or squirrel or turtle."

Contact this reporter at (937) 225-2253 or cludwig@coxohio.com.