Granted, it’s May and the Cincinnati Bengals are only in the midst of their first three-day OTA session of the offseason. Nonetheless, Carson Palmer didn’t mince his words Tuesday when asked about the absence of star WR Chad Ochocinco.

Palmer was asked about his expectations for Ochocinco during an interview on Sirius NFL Radio.

“You know, I really don’t know,” Palmer said. “I  haven’t talked to him, I haven’t talked to anybody who has talked to him. He wasn’t here last year, so I’m expecting him not to be here at all this year. I think he was here last year. I think he was here for the mandatory camp but didn’t participate in it. I’m planning on him not being here, just because he hasn’t been here yet. We’ll prepare, like I said.

“We got Chris Henry — another guy I left out, I can’t believe I left him out. He’s a guy that’s had a great offseason. Really, really turned his life around. I’m excited to watch him play. He’s a guy that, it seems like he catches a touchdown every other ball that gets thrown to him. He’s that explosive. He’s kind of taken over for Chad’s position and he’s a guy that does not want to give up that spot right now.”

Palmer, who returned to practice for the first time this week, has made it a habit of only commenting on players who are in camp — particularly Henry, who has drawn consistent praise from the veteran QB. The Bengals return for another session of OTAs next week.