Arizona Cardinals Quarterback Carson Palmer Availability Unknown

Sep 14, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (right) talks with officials during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, who sat out Sunday’s 25-14 victory over the New York Giants on Sunday, is still an unknown for this week’s game at home against the San Francisco 49ers.

It was the first game Palmer missed since joining the Cards in 2013.  However backup Drew Stanton did just fine.  He went 14-29 and 167 yards in his first start since 2010.  The issue with Palmer is a nerve in his shoulder and there is just no way of telling when it will be well enough for Palmer to not just play but to even life his shoulder at all.

Cards head coach Bruce Arians did say in his morning press conference on Monday that the Palmer could go the entire week and not practice and still play on Sunday.  So, clearly that says you can pay attention to the injury reports this week as a guideline but don’t take it to heart.  I imagine Palmer wouldn’t be ruled until 90 minutes before the game on Sunday afternoon.  For that matter if he is going to go, I don’t think the Cards would say anything until then either.

Either way, a big game is coming up and a chance to go 3-0 against the Niners.  After the performance of Stanton on Sunday, I have confidence he can lead the Cards to victory.  The Cards just need a great game plan.  It won’t be easy.