CINCINNATI, April 21 (UPI) -- The Cincinnati Bengals signed quarterback Anthony Wright to a 1-year contract to fill in for Carson Palmer if he's not fully healed for the 2006 season.
Palmer suffered severe ligament damage on the Bengals' second offensive play of the Jan. 8 playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He underwent knee surgery two days later and has been under constant evaluation since.
Wright played in nine games, starting seven, with AFC North rival Baltimore last season. He had career highs in passing yards (1,582), attempts (266), completions (164) and completion percentage (61.7).
"The signing of Anthony brings us a quarterback who has started and won games in the NFL," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis.
Wright entered the NFL in 1999 as a free agent with Pittsburgh and saw action with Dallas in 2000-01 before joining the Ravens for 2002-05. He has completed 55.1 percent of his passes for 3,547 yards, with 20 touchdowns and 25 interceptions during his career.
