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Bengals’ Palmer softens stance on Ochocinco

QB backs off earlier statements that he didn't care if receiver showed up

Image: PalmerGetty Images
Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer called Chad Ochocino "extremely dangerous to cover."

Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer eased up on wide receiver Chad Ochocinco in a radio interview this week, ESPN reported.

Palmer, who in a previous interview had hinted that he didn't care if Ochocinco showed up for workouts, insisted he wanted the receiver on the team, ESPN reported.

"He's a damn good receiver — that's obvious, everybody knows that — but the guys that are working here and busting their butt here deserve a shot," Palmer said on a Fox radio program, ESPN reported. "When he shows up he'll show up and hopefully he's in great shape and he's ready to play.

"But I never once said anything about not wanting him here and not needing him. He's a Pro Bowl receiver. He's put up a ton of yards. He's extremely dangerous to cover. We would love him when he comes here, but he's not here right now."

Earlier this month, Palmer was dismissive of Ochocinco, ESPN reported.

"He wasn't here last year so I'm expecting him not to be here at all this year," Palmer said on NFL Sirius Radio, ESPN reported. "Last year I think he was here for the mandatory camp but didn't participate in it. So I'm planning on him not being here just because he hasn't been here yet."

The Bengals' mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 18-20.

© 2012 NBC Sports.com

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