Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Carson Palmer Questionable

Dec 1, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) passes the ball during the third quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles defeated the Cardinals 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Howard Smith-USA TODAY Sports

Friday’s practice came and went and the injury situation on Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer hasn’t gotten any better.  Friday’s injury report came out and listed Palmer officially as questionable for Sunday’s game against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Cards head coach Bruce Arians described Palmer as being a “game-time decision” on Sunday but said he fully expected Palmer to end up playing in the game.  Of course, to be safe, he said backup Drew Stanton is ready to fill in if needed.  That description is a little worrisome.

I’m ok with Palmer being limited in practice, however if it comes down to using Stanton in place of Palmer on Sunday, you might want to shelve the idea of playoffs until next season.  With just four weeks left in the season, three of them within the NFC West division, every win is almost a “must win” for the Cards.  Palmer is no Peyton Manning, but Palmer has taken every snap this season.  Right now what the Cards need is stability at the most important position on the field.  Any time missed by Palmer should be seen as detrimental to the Cards playoff chances.  With the next two weeks on the road after this weekend, the loss of Palmer could also mean saying goodbye to a .500 or winning record this season as well.

Of course I am getting way ahead of myself.  I trust the Cards aren’t hiding anything with Palmer and he’ll be fine and ready to play come Sunday afternoon.  This is not the time to begin the Drew Stanton experience.