Joe Flacco, Carson Palmer Injury Updates
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) throws against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. Mandatory Credit: Don McPeak-USA TODAY Sports
Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Joe Flacco suffered a mild MCL sprain in last week’s last-gasp MNF win over the Detroit Lions, and he’s always been expected to play. That expectation hasn’t changed, even though it was reported yesterday by NFL insider Adam Caplan that Flacco’s knee had more soreness than initially thought. Today, Caplan is once again reporting that Flacco is expected to start in today’s huge, all-important game against the New England Patriots despite the knee sprain.
Honestly, it would be a shock for Flacco to be out today, and he’s far too tough to miss a game as important as this one. If the Ravens lose and the Miami Dolphins win against the Buffalo Bills, then the Ravens are out of the playoffs; the stakes are obviously high. Neither Flacco nor Ravens head coach John Harbaugh have expressed any concerns regarding Flacco’s status, so nobody should be legitimately worried about his chances of playing today.
The same can be said for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, who will be a full-go today. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported confirmation that Palmer will play in today’s crucial rivalry game over the Seattle Seahawks despite being listed questionable, and Larry Fitzgerald is also expected to play. The star receiver’s status is much more cloudy (making Schefter’s report even more encouraging), especially since Palmer’s status isn’t even in doubt.
Palmer suffered a minor ankle sprain in last week’s overtime win over the Tennessee Titans, and he is still suffering from the effects of an elbow injury that he sustained a couple of weeks ago. But quarterbacks always play through injuries like these, and Palmer is no exception. He returned to practice on Thursday following the ankle injury and is a full-go today. If the Cardinals can’t upset the Seahawks today, then their playoff hopes are most likely shot (the 10-4 San Francisco 49ers have an easy matchup against the Atlanta Falcons tomorrow night).