National Football League

Palmer's shoulder regresses; unlikely for Broncos game

Published Oct. 1, 2014 3:57 p.m. ET

share

facebookxredditlink

foxsports

TEMPE, Ariz. -- It appears the undefeated Arizona Cardinals will play a third consecutive game without starting quarterback Carson Palmer.

Coach Bruce Arians said Wednesday that Palmer was excused from practice so that he could visit a specialist for another opinion on the bruised nerve in his throwing (right) shoulder. Arians doubted Palmer would practice Thursday, making it highly unlikely he would face the Denver Broncos on Sunday at Sports Authority Field at Mile High.

"He threw a bunch last Thursday and Friday and then regressed," Arians said of the team's bye week. "We're hoping we can find out why."

Palmer has missed the last two games (New York Giants and San Francisco) since injuring the shoulder while being tackled by San Diego safety Eric Weddle in the season opener. The nerve had not been firing, but Palmer said there was improvement last week and that the plan was to resume practice on Wednesday.

Arians said Palmer was throwing balls 30 to 40 yards last week, but he isn't at that level now.

"We need to see two good days or a day and a half of his full-speed delivery, not a soft toss," Arians said. "Hopefully, he'll get (to the specialist), find an answer, find a treatment and get back and then hopefully Friday, whatever we find out we'll work with.

"If we thought it was long term, we could put him on IR with a chance to return, but we're not even close to that."

In Palmer's absence, Drew Stanton will make his third straight start, affording him continuity he has not seen since his rookie season in Detroit.

"It's beneficial," he said. "You're getting on the same page with receivers. You're feeling a comfort level that you didn't have with them before. 

"With the offensive line, too, even that communication is getting smoother." 

Stanton completed 18 of 33 passes for 244 yards and two TDs (no interceptions) in a 23-14 win over the 49ers on Sept. 21.

Follow Craig Morgan on Twitter

share

Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more

in this topic

National Football League