Arizona’s Stanton to start at quarterback vs 49ers

BOB BAUM
AP Sports Writer

TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona coach Bruce Arians said Drew Stanton will start at quarterback in place of Carson Palmer for the second straight week when the Cardinals play the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday.

Arians said that if Palmer is in good enough condition, he will be the backup quarterback. But Arians said Palmer, out with a nerve problem in his shoulder, still is unable to throw a pass.

“He’s improved dramatically,” Arians said, “but he still can’t throw.”

Stanton’s numbers weren’t spectacular — 14-for-29 for 167 yards — but he committed no turnovers in Arizona’s 25-14 road win over the New York Giants last Sunday. It was the first time he had played in a regular-season game in four years.

Stanton knows Arians’ offense well because he was the backup to Andrew Luck in Arians’ season as the interim coach for the Indianapolis Colts.

“It was obvious last week in the game that he possesses all the tools of a starting quarterback in this league,” tight end John Carlson said. “He’s very smart, which is critical in this system. B.A. (Arians) is a brilliant guy and he has really high expectations of his quarterbacks and his offensive players.”

Arians said the 49ers present a bigger problem than the Giants did.

“It’s a tougher type of ball game, but it’s at home,” Arians said. “This is a really, really stout defense and one of the best in the league.”

After this week, Palmer will have some time to heal because the Cardinals have a bye next week.

Rookie Logan Thomas will be the backup if Palmer can’t fill that role.

Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

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