Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer doesn’t seem to optimistic about receiver Chad Johnson, er, Ochocinco (at least Ochocinco looks less ridiculous as one word) being a contributor to the Cincinnati passing game in 2009.

In a radio interview this week, Palmer referred to Ochocinco in the past tense and talked about his other receivers he’ll be looking to now that T.J. Houshmandzadeh has departed. Having your quarterback lose faith in you does not bode well for Ochocinco, who might just get his wish to be traded if Palmer isn’t throwing to him.

The Bengals might be in for another turbulent summer. And to think, we all thought “Hard Knocks” would be boring in Cincinnati.