Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer is expected to start Sunday against the Seahawks.
Carson Palmer's finger injury didn't bother him at all against the Packers.
"Felt great," the quarterback said Wednesday.
As for the rest of his body – and the discussion whether the Cardinals should either sit him or reduce his playing time in Sunday's finale against the Seahawks in order to protect the 36-year-old from getting hurt – Palmer was
equally blunt in his assessment that he should play.
"I'm not sure what the perception is (but) everybody wants to be healthy," Palmer said. "Whether it is David (Johnson), being a rookie, or (defensive tackle) Cory Redding or some of the older guys like myself, on the team, you want to play. You don't want to think about (getting hurt). You can't think about that, you can't fear that or worry about that. You can't prepare any differently. You have to go out and play."
Palmer is set to start Sunday, needing 73 passing yards to set a franchise record for passing yards in a season – Neil Lomax set the mark of 4,614 in 1984.
But records aren't why Palmer wants to play. The Cardinals need a win and a Panthers loss to move from the No. 2 playoff seed to No. 1. In addition, Palmer wants to keep up the momentum the Cards have built.
Coach Bruce Arians already said he planned to play his regulars. Asked specifically if he would consider Palmer any differently, Arians quickly said no.
"Like I said, no different than any other ballgame," Arians added.
MARKUS GOLDEN LIKELY TO MISS SEAHAWKS
Linebackers Markus Golden and Dwight Freeney and wide receiver Michael Floyd all sat out practice with knee issues, Arians said, although the coach added that it was Golden's bone bruise that might make it tough for him to
pay Sunday against Seattle.
Safety Rashad Johnson (ankle), defensive tackle Josh Mauro (calf) and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker also sat out.
"We should be getting some of these guys back as the week progresses," Arians said.
Golden has been playing well of late, joining veteran Dwight Freeney as the main pass rushers from the edge. He is third on the team with four sacks and has a team-best 16 quarterback pressures. Arians said Kareem Martin will get the work in place of an absent Golden, and Alani Fua could also see some time there.
The official injury report was daunting. In addition to those sitting out, there was a long list of limited players: WR Larry Fitzgerald (ankle), Fua (groin), LS Mike Leach (back), Palmer (right index finger), CB Patrick Peterson (ankle), DT Ed Stinson (ribs), and RB Stepfan Taylor (shoulder).
Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said his team will still be without RB Marshawn Lynch this week. DE Michael Bennett (toe), S Kam Chancellor (pelvis), G JR Sweezy (concussion) and TE Luke Willson (concussion) all sat out. DE Cliff Avril (back), DT Jordan Hill (toe) and T Russell Okung (calf) were all limited.
PALMER ISN'T THINKING MVP
Palmer and Panthers quarterback Cam Newton seem to be the top two candidates to be named MVP as the season comes to a close – Newton remains the favorite – but Palmer reiterated as something he cannot control, it isn't something he's considering right now.
"It would be a tremendous honor," Palmer said. "But that was not a goal that I set out for myself beginning of the season and it wasn't a goal midway through the season and it's not a goal now. The goal is to win a championship. That's how I prepare. Postseason awards are not something that cross my mind."
MORE TOUCHDOWNS THAN PUNTS
Going into the season finale, the Cardinals have more touchdowns this season (57) than punts (55) – a ratio that catches the attention.
"Craziest stat I've heard," Arians said. "Of all the stats out there, that's the one I'm probably most proud of."
"That's a good stat to have," Palmer said. "I didn't know that. I don't know how often it happens, but it's pretty special when it does."
It's happened a few times before, including 2014, when the Packers had 58 touchdowns and 51 punts.
