"I want to be out there on the field making decisions and being the focal point for a team," Fitzpatrick said. "We'll see what it has to offer in the offseason. Obviously, playing over not playing is probably a good thing."

Therein lies a dilemma for the Bengals.

If starting quarterback Carson Palmer is healthy in 2009 -- and signs indicate that he will be -- the Bengals' backup is unlikely to see the field. Palmer takes nearly every snap in practice, and he did not skip a play in 2007. It is difficult to convince a veteran quarterback to sign on for clipboard-carrying duty.

But with one awkward hit or strained ligament, the offense could instantly be placed in the hands of the backup. If he is too green to handle such an assignment, the offense -- and, perhaps, the team as a whole -- is doomed.

"It's a position that you're not ever quite sure of until the person has to play," coach Marvin Lewis said. "I think in Ryan we kind of had the best of both worlds, because although he's young, he's had some experience in the NFL."

Indianapolis coach Tony Dungy said it became so difficult to convince a decent veteran to sign with the Colts that they opted for youth and potential. Their current backup is Jim Sorgi, a fifth-year player who has spent his entire career as Peyton Manning's understudy.

The New England Patriots took the same approach, having previously untested Matt Cassel backing up Tom Brady. The Green Bay Packers frequently backed up Brett Favre with a young quarterback, including Ty Detmer, Mark Brunell, Matt Hasselbeck, Craig Nall and Aaron Rodgers. Some fared better than others.

"You try to develop that guy," Dungy said. "You have to go off what you see in preseason and what you see in practice and then trust your instincts."

The Bengals have Jordan Palmer, Carson's younger brother, under contract for next season. He has appeared in three games, each time for mop-up duty. Lewis has resisted fan sentiment to audition him for next season; Lewis is adamant that for the sake of team morale he must always play the player who proves himself to be the best during the week, and by that measure Fitzpatrick has earned the right to start at quarterback.

So the Bengals likely will head into the offseason with only a recovering Carson Palmer and an untested Jordan Palmer at the most important position while Fitzpatrick auctions his services to teams such as the Chiefs, Lions and 49ers.

"It is what it is," Lewis said. "We're going to have to fill the spot."

spriestle@dispatch.com