Bengals quarterback Carson Palmer said today that his teammate, wide receiver Chad Johnson, assured him in a phone conversation that “he’ll be there when he has to.”

Johnson is skipping voluntary off-season activities and has suggested that he wants more money, that he isn’t happy in Cincinnati, and that he would rather play elsewhere.  But Palmer told reporters today that Johnson won’t hold out when mandatory practices begin.

Palmer also said he isn’t surprised that the Bengals released another of his wide receivers, Chris Henry, after Henry was charged with assault.

“You thought it might happen, given his track record,” Palmer said.  “It’s too bad.  [Henry is] an amazing talent, and to see him throw it away is tough.  He’s a good-hearted person.  It’s just too bad.”

Although receiver is a thin position for the Bengals with Henry gone and Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh skipping workouts, Palmer said he thinks the Bengals are just fine at the position.