[Batpuff]

CINCINNATI (AP) - Anthony Wright signed a one-year deal Friday to be the Cincinnati Bengals' backup quarterback, a vital position with Carson Palmer still recovering from knee surgery.

The eighth-year veteran could start the season if Palmer hasn't fully recovered from reconstructive surgery. He tore ligaments and had other damage to the knee in the Bengals' first-round playoff loss to Pittsburgh.

The Bengals agreed on terms of the deal with Wright earlier in the week. Wright started seven games last season for Baltimore while Kyle Boller was recovering from a toe injury. In seven seasons with Pittsburgh, Dallas and Baltimore, he has thrown for 20 touchdowns and 25 interceptions.

The Bengals assume that Palmer will be ready for the season opener in Kansas City on Sept. 10, but acknowledge there's a chance he won't be.

The Bengals' first four games are against Kansas City, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and New England. Jon Kitna, Palmer's backup the last two seasons, left for Detroit as a free agent after last season.

(Copyright 2006 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.) AP-NY-04-21-06 1354EDT


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[BCF4L]

Not a bad pick up in my mind. I doubt he will have to see any PT but who knows.

[BFritz]

Not a bad pick up in my mind. I doubt he will have to see any PT but who knows.

Me either, especially with Palmer's rehab progressing nicely, but always good to have a back-up plan