Palmer has cracked ribs, bruised lung and won't play in Raiders final game

Oakland Raiders' Carson Palmer (3) walks off the field after being injured during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) (The Associated Press)

Oakland Raiders' Matt Leinart walks off the field during the second half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Bob Leverone) (The Associated Press)

ALAMEDA, Calif. – Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer suffered cracked ribs and a bruised lung after a hard hit by Carolina linebacker Greg Hardy and will not play in the team's final game.

Palmer was hit in the back by Hardy late in the first quarter while rolling out to throw. Hardy appeared to lead with his helmet and drew an unnecessary roughness penalty on the play.

Palmer was later taken to a hospital in Carolina and underwent a CT scan before rejoining his teammates for the flight home. Upon arrival in Oakland, the quarterback was again taken to a local hospital, where he remained overnight for observation.

Raiders coach Dennis Allen said he is undecided whether to start Matt Leinart or Terrelle Pryor in place of Palmer.

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