Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer missed practice on Wednesday so he could consult a specialist about the nerve issue in his right shoulder that has kept him off the field for the last two Arizona victories.
Palmer’s wrapped up that visit, but there’s no clearer idea about when he’ll be able to resume playing. Mike Jurecki of FOX Sports 910 in Phoenix reports that Palmer visited with Los Angeles-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. Robert Watkins and was diagnosed with an axillary nerve contusion in his shoulder. The condition causes “a numbness over part of the outer shoulder” that results in the shoulder weakness that has limited Palmer’s ability to throw the ball.
Palmer does not need to have surgery and is expected to continue rehabbing the injury, which he suffered when he took a hit while running the ball in the first week of the regular season. The amount of time that he might need to rehab before the shoulder feels better is open-ended as each case is different. In some cases, it can take months for the condition to be resolved.
The team hasn’t ruled him out of this week’s game as either a starter or the backup to Drew Stanton, but coach Bruce Arians said this week that Palmer has regressed since last week and that makes it sound doubtful that he’ll be playing any role against the Broncos.