It is unlikely that Cincinnati franchise quarterback Carson Palmer will play in Thursday night’s game against New England due to a high ankle sprain suffered in the Bengals’ preseason opener against New Orleans.

Although relatively minor, the sprain is another setback for Palmer, who missed much of last season due to ligament and tendon damage in his throwing elbow.

Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis has called Palmer’s sprain “mild to moderate.”

Former Patriots’ practice-teamer J.T. O’Sullivan reportedly will start in New England, with Palmer’s younger brother, Jordan, who is battling O’Sullivan for the top backup spot, coming off the bench.

Tight end Ben Utecht, defensive lineman Pernell Phillips and cornerback David Jones are among those also not expected to play for the Bengals.

However, New England fans could get a chance to see former Hendricken standout and East Providence native Matt Sherry. A sixth-round draft pick of Cincinnati’s last year after playing at Villanova, Sherry spent his rookie season on injured reserve.

He was released by the Bengals in June, and was driving a moving van to his new apartment in Boston when he got the call from the team earlier this month to give depth to a depleted tight end unit.

Will Welker play?

As for who may not play for New England, it’s more of a guessing game.

Wes Welker returned to practice on Tuesday evening after not being spotted on the field the Tuesday before the Pats’ preseason opener with Philadelphia; he did not play against the Eagles. Benjamin Watson returned to practice briefly, but returned to the list of the missing this week.

Linebacker Paris Lenon, defensive lineman Mike Wright and tight end Tyson DeVree have also missed multiple practices recently.

Hall of Famers

The Patriots will hold their 2009 Hall of Fame induction ceremony beginning at 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, before kickoff of the preseason home opener.

The induction of former AFL MVP Jim Nance and Pats founder Billy Sullivan will be held in the plaza just outside the Hall at Patriot Place. New England radio voice Gil Santos will emcee the event, which is expected to be attended by over 50 Patriots alumni, including several of the franchise’s current Hall of Famers.

At halftime of the game against Cincinnati, Rachel Nance, Jim’s daughter, and Patrick Sullivan, son of Billy, will be introduced to the Gillette Stadium crowd by Robert Kraft.

smanza@projo.com