Carson Palmer ruled out; it's up to Drew Stanton to bail out 1-3 Cardinals

The bad news keep coming for the 1-3 Arizona Cardinals.

Quarterback Carson Palmer (concussion) has been ruled out for Thursday’s game against the San Francisco 49ers and will not travel to the game. Palmer entered the concussion protocol after getting hit hard and appearing to have his head hit the turf in the fourth quarter of the loss to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 4. He did not practice Monday or Tuesday and was not seen on the field at the start of Wednesday’s practice but reportedly was attending meetings and undergoing tests.

The #AZCardinals have declared starting QB Carson Palmer (concussion) out for Thursday vs. the #49ers. It'll be Drew Stanton.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 5, 2016

Stinson, Fells also won't travel. Palmer argued to go but Arians said no

— Kent Somers (@kentsomers) October 5, 2016

Palmer’s play had fallen off the past few weeks as the Cardinals have lost two straight and find themselves in a real tough spot with Stanton asked to step in on a short week going on the road. Stanton has started in place of Palmer before but was ineffective in relief last week, throwing two picks against the Rams. Zac Dysert, who was elevated from the practice squad on Monday, will serve as Stanton’s backup against the 49ers.

This is a crucial stretch for the wobbly Cardinals. The 49ers are beatable, but can Stanton do it? They also face the New York Jets in prime time, followed by their toughest duo of the season — the Seattle Seahawks at home, followed by an NFC championship rematch against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, where Palmer turned the ball over seven times.

Can the Cardinals scratch their way to .500 before the bye? It’s a tall order, and one that start with their franchise quarterback missing at least one game.