Oakland Raiders: Is Jason Campbell Still the Future Quarterback?

Bob Levey/Getty Images

Most expected Jason Campbell to return from a broken right clavicle injury in 2011, perhaps as soon as Week 12 against the Bears, before the team traded two high-round draft picks to the Cincinnati Bengals for Carson Palmer.

Campbell's hold over the starting job is in peril now that the team is heavily invested in another QB, but Palmer did anything but comfort the Raider faithful with his three interception performance out of the bullpen this past Sunday.

Here is a look at Campbell's chances of returning to action for the 4-3 Oakland Raiders this season.

The Case for Campbell

Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images

While Jason Campbell gets no credit for being better than all-time bust JaMarcus Russell, his efforts in changing the locker room attitude during last year's surprising 8-8 finish should be remembered.

Last season, Darren McFadden hadn't established himself as the dominant running back he is today and the young Oakland receiving corps were roundly considered among the worst in the league. Campbell rose to the challenge when the team truly needed a leader, and there should be a starting job for him somewhere when he returns to action.

Carson Palmer

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

If only Jason Campbell has waited a week to get injured...if only.

The timing of his downturn coincided with the trading deadline and in a move no one saw coming, the Raiders traded two first-round picks—one conditional—for a 31-year-old quarterback who was about six months into retirement.

Palmer was supposed to start Week 7, before coach Hue Jackson wavered on the decision and played backup Kyle Boller instead. After three inceptions, Boller was replaced by Palmer, who added another three himself. The job may stay with Palmer throughout the season, as the Raiders certainly paid for a legitimate starter, but Week 7 did nothing to eliminate Campbell's chances of returning to his former post.

Kyle Boller

Brian Bahr/Getty Images

As the 19th pick in the 2003 draft, Kyle Boller was supposed to become the Ravens quarterback of the future, a Super Bowl winning leader who could run and throw deep.

It didn't happen.

Boller's career QB rating of 69.5 and rushing average of 3.3 explains why he's been a long-time backup, and should carry the starter's tag only as long as it takes for his team to find a new one. He is not the answer for the Raiders, as their doubt in Boller explains why they paid such a premium to get Palmer after a 4-2 start.

Terrelle Pryor

Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

Supplemental draft pick Terrelle Pryor is the last piece of the Raiders quarterback puzzle, and is not even a current option because he's so new to the offense.

Kyle Boller was on the roster last season, whereas Pryor missed all of training camp and the first five weeks of 2011 on an illegal-benefits-at-college suspension. The Raiders can start their young shot-caller only when the season is lost, and after the investment in Carson Palmer, that is unlikely to happen this year.

Determining Factor: The Next Five Weeks

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

The Raiders will certainly use their current bye week to get Carson Palmer on the same page with his developing receivers, and the schedule provides some breathing room with upcoming games against the Broncos, Vikings and Dolphins, before Campbell is expected to return.

The Raiders will have a make-or-break decision if Campbell returns for Week 14 against the Green Bay Packers, as initially expected. If Campbell is cleared for games while the Raiders enjoy a winning record, then all signs point to Carson handling the job as expected for the duration of the season.