Arizona Cardinals GM: Carson Palmer is ahead of schedule

Feb 13, 2015, 5:57 PM | Updated: 5:57 pm

Follow @theAdamGreen...

LISTEN: Steve Keim, AZ Cardinals General Manager

Pretty much any projection involving the Arizona Cardinals in 2015 is based on the presumption that quarterback Carson Palmer will be on the field.

The veteran tore the ACL in his left knee on Nov. 9, and after having surgery to repair the issue, has been rehabbing and working toward trying to get back.

Before going down, he had completed 62.9 percent of his passes for 1,626 yards and 11 touchdowns, posting a QB rating of 95.6. The Cardinals won all six games he started.

Since his injury there has been plenty of optimism, from Palmer himself as well as head coach Bruce Arians, over the idea that he will be ready to go when the new season begins.

Friday, as a guest of Doug and Wolf on Arizona Sports 98.7 F for Newsmakers Week, Cardinals GM Steve Keim had a similar tone.

“He’s awesome,” Keim said. “He came in, I believe it was yesterday and I talked to him at length, he’s more energized than ever and he looked fantastic.

“It looks like he put on some lean muscle; he is working his tail off. And I know he’s at a point in his rehabilitation process where he’s doing some running and he’s ahead of schedule. And again, he’s more energized than ever.”

This is the second time in Palmer’s career that he needed surgery to repair an ACL, as he tore the same one in the 2005 postseason while a member of the Cincinnati Bengals.

However, this tear was far less severe than that one, with the rehab not being nearly as intensive.

Arizona Cardinals

Aaron Brewer...

Tyler Drake

Arizona Cardinals re-sign LS Aaron Brewer, release Joe Fortunato

The Arizona Cardinals re-signed long snapper Aaron Brewer and released Joe Fortunato on Tuesday, the team announced.

1 day ago

Carlos Watkins...

Tyler Drake

Carlos Watkins ‘sees vision’ the Cardinals are aiming to achieve

After meeting with head coach Jonathan Gannon and DC Nick Rallis during free agency, Carlos Watkins knew his future was in the desert.

1 day ago

Colt McCoy, Arizona Cardinals QB...

Haboob Blog

Why Colt McCoy’s kids may want him to retire

Arizona Cardinals QB Colt McCoy told his kids that the family can get a furry friend when he retires, which isn't happening yet. 

1 day ago

Zaven Collins during OTAs...

Tyler Drake

Cardinals LB Zaven Collins embracing life on the edge

Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins is getting more work on the outside than ever before since arriving to the desert in 2020.

2 days ago

Colt McCoy...

Tyler Drake

Colt McCoy, Cardinals experiencing the ‘learning curve’ of new regime

Cardinals quarterback Colt McCoy sees the value in organized team activity reps, especially working under a new OC and offensive scheme.

2 days ago

Bobby Price #27 of the Detroit Lions celebrates the stop of a punt return during the second half ag...

Arizona Sports

Arizona Cardinals sign CBs Bobby Price, Dylan Mabin

The Arizona Cardinals added a pair of cornerbacks on Monday, announcing the signings of Bobby Price and Dylan Mabin. 

2 days ago

Arizona Cardinals GM: Carson Palmer is ahead of schedule