The Cincinnati Bengals continue to suffer injuries, but a bright spot may be arriving this week. The Bengals hope to see the return of backup running back Chris Perry, after he has spent the first five games recovering from knee and ankle operations. He also missed the entire preseason due to his injuries. With the Bengals' offense struggling and losing two games in a row, the team will face another tough test against the Carolina Panthers this week.

"I give Carson another option to throw the ball to, or to hand off to," Perry said Thursday. "I can help out."

Although Perry would be listed as a backup running back, he would probably see significant time at the receiver position. With Chris Henry suspended and other receivers banged up, Perry could even be the team's third receiver behind Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh. Last year, Perry caught 51 passes. Perry began the season on the physically unable to perform list and will have three weeks to decide whether or not they'll activate him. If everything goes well, he should be activated this week to face the Panthers.

"He hasn't played football in a long time," Palmer said. "It's going to be a struggle for him to get back into the right game shape. He hasn't played since last year. We're really going to be counting on him to make big plays for us three or four weeks down the road."

With the Bengals No. 1 receiver, Chad Johnson, only having one touchdown grab this season, the Bengals need to get things going before the Pittsburgh Steelers continue their rally in the AFC North.