The Cardinals are ready to pull Carson Palmer out of bubble wrap.
Coming off November's ACL tear, Arizona's starting quarterback has been full-go for training camp and will see his typical share of preseason action, according to the team's official website.
Coach Bruce Arians said Palmer's exhibition snaps would be "pretty much no different" than in previous years with the team. The same applies for backup passer Drew Stanton, returning from a knee injury of his own.
"I know they can play on Sundays, but they still have to be game-speed ready," said Arians.
It's not a surprise after Palmer told reporters last month that he's "not even thinking about my knee." Or his arm, which "is a lot stronger," according to Cardinals wideout Michael Floyd on Friday.
That's a great sign for Palmer, who at 35 would naturally lean more on his legs and lower body to whip the ball with power. We saw Peyton Manning's already teetering arm strength take a massive hit when he suffered last season's twin quadriceps injuries. It's great news for Arizona that its quarterback -- and his rebuilt knee -- ride into the campaign with no drop-off in arm strength.
We still won't see much from Palmer in August. He played only 54 snaps last preseason to Stanton's 72, per Pro Football Focus. Either way, getting a healthy Palmer back in time for September is huge for a team that fizzled away without him in 2014.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast discusses Tom Brady's lawsuit and debates which veteran players are most likely to be cut.
