NFL: 5 Injuries That Will Shape Playoffs

By Evan Massey | Dec 14, 2014

Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer reacts as he is taken off the field on a cart after suffering an injury in the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Cardinals defeated the Rams 31-14. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 9, 2014; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer (3) lays on the ground with a left knee injury during the second half against the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Carson Palmer, Arizona Cardinals

Carson Palmer was leading the Arizona Cardinals towards the number one seed in the NFC, but a torn ACL has ended his season. Drew Stanton hasn’t played well since he took over for Palmer, and now he has a sprained ACL and MCL. Needless to say, the Cardinals are in a world of hurt without their starting quarterback for the remainder of the season.

Throughout his six regular season games that he played this season after getting hurt earlier in the season, he threw for 1,626 yards, 11 touchdowns, and three interceptions. Those numbers show how valuable he was this season, and not having him is going to make things very difficult for the Cardinals once the playoffs roll around..

Arizona still has a very talented all-around offense, but losing Andre Ellington hurts even more without Palmer on the field. They have a strong defense that can make plays, and they need whoever is in at quarterback to come through with a couple big plays per game. As long as they can take care of the football offensively they’ll be just fine.

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