Cardinals' Palmer sees shoulder specialist

Tempe, AZ (SportsNetwork.com) - The Arizona Cardinals' plans on having Carson Palmer back under center following their bye week have appeared to have hit a snag, as the veteran quarterback was excused from Wednesday's practice to see a specialist about his ailing right shoulder.

Palmer missed Arizona's previous two games prior to the team's Week 4 bye as he dealt with a nerve issue in his throwing shoulder. Head coach Bruce Arians told reporters that the problem has regressed since Palmer took part in a pair of extensive throwing sessions last week.

Arians has yet to rule Palmer out for Sunday's game at Denver, but did say the 12-year pro will have to prove he can throw at full velocity over the next couple of days in order to be cleared.

Drew Stanton has stepped in for Palmer in Arizona's last two contests and guided the 3-0 Cardinals to a pair of wins, including a 23-14 decision over NFC West rival San Francisco on Sept. 21 in which he tossed a pair of touchdown passes.

Stanton did not commit a turnover in either of those two starts while amassing 411 yards on a 32-of-62 completion rate.