National Football League

Palmer solid, but Raiders reserves dominate

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:38 p.m. ET

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GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) Carson Palmer directed a 73-yard drive for a field goal in his one series before the Oakland Raiders backups dominated their Arizona counterparts in a 31-10 victory in the teams' preseason opener Friday night.

Derek Carr played two series for Oakland, the second one ending in Sebastian Janikowski's 53-yard field goal.

Raiders starting defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. was taken to the locker room on a cart early in the game after an apparent leg injury.

Oakland backup quarterback Matt McGloin threw a pair of first-quarter touchdown passes after the Cardinals committed two turnovers in a span of about 30 seconds.

George Atkinson III, listed as Oakland's fourth-string running back, scored on runs of 53 and 35 yards.

Palmer completed 3 of 5 passes for 31 yards. The biggest play of the drive came when David Johnson faked out a defender at the line of scrimmage and raced for a 23-yard gain.

Carr completed 3 of 7 passes for 44 yards.

INJURY UPDATE

Edwards was hurt early in the game in a crushing collision with Arizona running back Chris Johnson at the line of scrimmage. The second-year player was on his back while trainers attended to him, then was helped off the field and carted to the locker room. Edwards played in 14 games, 10 as a starter, as a rookie but missed the last two games with a neck injury.

CARDINAL SINS

The first turnover came when J.J. Nelson fumbled a punt return and Johnny Holton recovered for Oakland at the Arizona 19. McGloin passed to a wide-open Clive Walford for a touchdown on the next play.

On the Cardinals' first offensive play after the kickoff, backup Drew Stanton overthrew intended receiver Jarron Brown and Nate Allen intercepted. Two plays later, McGloin threw to Andre Holmes for the touchdown and the Raiders led 17-3.

HUMPHRIES WATCH

After being inactive for every game last season despite being a first-round draft pick, D.J. Humphries is Arizona's starting right tackle. He was solid in run-blocking, but struggled some against the pass rush Friday. He didn't give up a sack, and much of the time he was going against All-Pro Khalil Mack.

ROOKIE WATCH

Raiders: Safety Karl Joseph, Oakland's first-round draft choice who is coming off knee surgery, played in the first series and had one tackle.

Cardinals: Third-round draft pick Brandon Williams, who won the starting cornerback job in training camp, had a rough start Friday. He was beaten several times, including on the Holmes' TD. He improved as the game went on and recovered Holmes' fumble in the second quarter.

POSITION BATTLES

Raiders: Menelik Watson played his first game since an Achilles injury in his bid to win the starting right tackle job.

Cardinals: With Justin Bethel still recovering from foot surgery, Williams won the starting job at cornerback in training camp and coach Bruce Arians has said Bethel will have to earn it back. Nelson was the first choice as a punt returner, but Arians has said he could give John Brown time there, and Nelson's fumble may have made that even more likely.

QUOTABLE

Palmer on David Johnson (three carries, 31 yards), ''Nothing different than what I see every day in practice. Just runs powerfully, has great vision, he's a phenomenal blocker. .. He's a special player.''

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