EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Carson Palmer’s return provided the promise of a productive passing game for Cincinnati.
Playing for the first time since an elbow injury sidelined him early last season, Palmer completed 7-of-11 passes for 133 yards in the Bengals’ 17-7 loss to the Saints on Friday night in the preseason opener for both teams.
Palmer’s only mistake came on Jonathan Vilma’s interception.
Palmer left the game late in the first quarter, moments after his quick sideline throw to Chad Ochocinco produced a 55-yard gain. Palmer was playing with a mild left ankle sprain at that point, but he said afterward the injury was minor.
Jeremy Shockey caught his first touchdown pass as a Saint, a 22-yarder between two defenders from Drew Brees. Mark Brunell also threw a scoring pass for the Saints, a 64-yarder to Robert Meachem.
Vikings 13, Colts 3 Sage Rosenfels completed 10-of-13 passes for 91 yards to take the early lead in Minnesota’s quarterback duel with Tarvaris Jackson.
Jackson, last year’s starting quarterback, completed 7-of-15 passes for 39 yards and led the Vikings to a field goal.
Rams 23, Jets 20 Mark Sanchez completed a 48-yard pass to David Clowney on his first NFL play, and the Jets rookie engineered an early scoring drive in New York’s loss.
