The Facts: Palmer, six months removed from surgery to repair his left ACL, was relegated to a spectator during drills that pitted the full offense against the full defense. However, he took part in 7-on-7 and position drills. Palmer said he felt rusty throwing the football but that was "expected," he added.
Diehards Line:
His recovery has been ahead of schedule and HC Bruce Arians said Palmer could have practiced during team drills Monday but Arians didn't want to take any chances just yet. But Palmer, who said he'll wear a knee brace all season, can't be faulted for not trying to play. "I've been politicking with the trainers and the physical trainers because 12 plays just isn't enough for me and I need more action out there," he said. Arians expected more lobbying from Palmer after practice and into Wednesday but Arians will hold his ground. The earliest Arians said Palmer could face live action will be minicamp June 9-11. Palmer admitted he's about two months from being "fully cleared" for all football activity, but he's been more intense in this recovery than he was in his previous ACL surgery. And that's good news. Remember, Palmer is 13-2 in his last 15 starts with a 64.5 completion percentage, 27 TDs, 12 INTs and 96.1 passer rating.