Carson Palmer Injury: Updates on Cardinals Star's Concussion and Return

Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer suffered a concussion in Week 4 against the Los Angeles Rams after hitting his head on the turf following a sack. He was unable to play in Week 5. However, he is ready to return.

Continue for updates.

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Palmer Active vs. Jets

Monday, Oct. 17

Mark Dalton of the Cardinals announced Palmer is available to play against New York in Week 6.

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Latest on Palmer's Practice Status

Thursday, Oct. 13

The Cardinals announced (via the Jets) Palmer was a full participant in Thursday's practice.

The Cardinals announced Palmer cleared the concussion protocol Tuesday.

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Palmer's Comments on Status

Wednesday, Oct. 12

"Everybody is extremely cautious with it," Palmer said, per Kyle Odegard of the Cardinals' official website. "You just trust in the doctors and what the professionals are telling you about it, and that's how you cope with it."

Palmer felt he could have played in Week 5 if the game was Sunday instead of Thursday, per Odegard.

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Keim Comments on Palmer's Recovery

Monday, Oct. 10

Cardinals general manager Steve Keim said Palmer was still in the concussion protocol Monday but was "doing great by all indications," according to AZCardinals.com's Darren Urban.

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Latest on Palmer's Practice Status

Wednesday, Oct. 5

Kent Somers of AZCentral.com reported Palmer was not at practice Oct. 5.

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Latest on Palmer's Timeline for Return

Tuesday, Oct. 4

Jason Cole of Bleacher Report, citing sources, reported Palmer could miss extended time after suffering a concussion:

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Cardinals Sign Dysert from Practice Squad

Monday, Oct. 3

The Cardinals signed quarterback Zac Dysert off their practice squad Oct. 3, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter, who noted the move cast doubt over Palmer's status in Week 5.

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Cardinals Need Palmer Healthy for Playoff Push

While Palmer has remained mostly healthy throughout his career, the 36-year-old suffered through an injury-plagued 2014 campaign. He battled a shoulder injury early in a season that was eventually cut short by a torn ACL. He returned to play all 16 regular-season games last year.

Keeping him on the field is one of the Cardinals' biggest keys to success. They still don't have any reliable options behind him on the depth chart, although Drew Stanton led the team to victory in Week 5.

It's hard to imagine the aerial attack operating anywhere near peak efficiency with the starter out of the lineup. It would put more pressure on the running game and the defense to pick up the slack if Arizona is going to make a playoff push.