UPDATE (15:20) -- Carson Palmer (ribs) was taken to a local hospital for "some further evaluation" but coach Denis Allen anticpates that Palmer will be flying home with the team.
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UPDATE: (11:45) -- Both Carson Palmer (ribs) and Tyvon Branch (foot) will not return to the game, the Raiders announced.
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UPDATE: (11:25) -- X-rays on Carson Palmer's ribs came back negative, but he remains in a lot of pain and his return in questionable.
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CHARLOTTE -- Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer was knocked out of the game late in the first quarter with what was described as a rib injury. His return was described as "questionable."
NFL
On a busted play, Palmer rolled out to the right and just as he released the ball, Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy lowered his helmet and speared him in the back. Hardy picked up a roughing-the-passer penalty but did not seem to mind.
Hardy did a celebration over the prone Palmer before moving toward the Raiders sideline and mocking them by putting up his hands as if to frame the players.
Matt Leinart replaced Palmer. Earlier, Terrelle Pryor was in on the Raiders' second play from scrimmage and threw a pass to Palmer, who was lined up wide right. Palmer then hit Pryor for a 22-yard gain.
Also, strong safety Tyvon Branch suffered a foot injury and his return was questionable.