ESPN’s Yates: Cardinals have ninth-best backup quarterback situation

Carson Palmer is 37-years old. In the last three years alone, he has bruised a nerve in his shoulder, tore his ACL, dislocated his right index finger and sustained a concussion.

With a prevalent injury history and his future unknown, the guys playing behind him could be vital.

Those backups, as of now, are Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert.

Stanton has been Palmer’s backup since 2014 and has shown to be more then capable of coming in right away and winning games. In 2014, Palmer’s injuries resulted in Stanton starting eight games, coming out with a 5-3 record.

Gabbert joined the Cardinals this offseason after spending 2016 with the 49ers. The former first-round pick, now going into his seventh season, kicked off last season as the starter, but a 1-4 record resulted in him being demoted to the backup.

With two guys behind Palmer that have plenty of experience, ESPN’s Field Yates puts the Cardinals backup quarterback situation as the ninth-best in the NFL.

In Drew Stanton and Blaine Gabbert, the Cardinals have a clearly defined hierarchy behind Carson Palmer. Stanton has served as Palmer’s backup since 2013, going 6-3 in starts. Former first-round pick Gabbert began the 2016 season as San Francisco’s starter but lost his job after going 1-4 while throwing five touchdown passes and six interceptions. He can be a suitable third-string QB while Arizona searches for the long-term successor to the 37-year-old Palmer.

The other quarterback on the Cardinals training camp roster is Trevor Knight. The rookie undrafted free agent out of Texas A&M isn’t likely to make the Cardinals’ final 53-man roster but should see extended time during the Cardinals’ five preseason games.