Carson Palmer confirms he will play through elbow injury
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes the ball during the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cardinals 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports
Arizona Cardinals starting quarterback Carson Palmer suffered an injury to his right elbow during last week’s loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, as Palmer was hit as he tried to throw the ball. Palmer was clearly in pain following the play, and he admitted earlier this week that he had issues during the game following the hit. It was clear that Palmer didn’t have much arm strength due to the elbow injury, as the Cardinals only attempted short passes following the play. On longer throws, Palmer just didn’t get enough behind the ball, so all this led to an inkling of doubt that he wouldn’t be able to play today against the rival St. Louis Rams.
Every game counts, and quarterbacks on teams on the playoff bubble don’t miss games unless they suffered a severe injury a la Aaron Rodgers or Jay Cutler. The NFL Network’s Mike Silver reports that Palmer texted him with the simple reply, “yessir,” when he was asked about his status for today’s game.
That’s great confirmation regarding Palmer’s chances of being out there, and nobody should have ever expected him to miss this week’s game either. Every single report regarding his status has either stated that Palmer will play or is strongly expected to play. Both the Cardinals and Palmer have been confident throughout the week that the elbow injury isn’t enough to keep him out of today’s game, and that’s great news for wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and Michael Floyd as they look to carve up the Rams secondary.