Photos
Palmer was acquired from the Cincinnati Bengals on Tuesday in exchange for two draft picks. A day later, he shared first-team practice snaps with Kyle Boller, who has been with the Raiders the past two seasons.
Palmer is familiar with Raiders head coach Hue Jackson, who was Cincinnati’s wide receivers coach from 2004-2006, Palmer’s first three NFL seasons.
Jackson said he’s in no rush to name a starter.
“I’m going to take my time and see … how fast he picks up the system, see how fast he gets in line with his teammates, and we’ll kind of go from there,” Jackson said.
However, ESPN – citing an unidentified team official – reported that Palmer is expected to start.
During a radio interview, Raiders offensive coordinator Al Saunders also hinted that Palmer would start “as long as he’s breathing.”
The Raiders traded for Palmer after losing starting quarterback Jason Campbell to a broken collarbone Sunday in a game against the Cleveland Browns.
MORE QB NEWS
The Raiders aren’t the only team that will have a new signal-caller under center this weekend.
The Washington Redskins announced that John Beck will start Sunday against the Carolina Panthers in place of Rex Grossman, who was benched for poor play.
The St. Louis Rams also might need a new starter on Sunday. Sam Bradford did not practice Wednesday while getting treatment for a high left ankle sprain, increasing the likelihood journeyman A.J. Feeley will get the call against the Dallas Cowboys.
In addition, the Minnesota Vikings announced Tuesday that rookie Christian Ponder would replace Donovan McNabb as the starter.
EXTRA POINTS
The players’ union has told the NFL to hold off collecting blood for HGH testing until an agreement can be reached on “several critical issues” regarding the testing. The league was preparing to draw the samples beginning Monday. … The trade that would have sent former Washington State running back Jerome Harrison from the Detroit Lions to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for running back Ronnie Brown was voided when Harrison failed his physical with the Eagles. … Veteran receiver Terrell Owens is healthy enough to play again after rehabilitating a left knee injury that required surgery, according to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. Owens is a free agent. … The Carolina Panthers placed former first-round draft pick and starting right tackle Jeff Otah on injured reserve. He has been struggling with knee and back injuries. … Former Seattle Seahawks receiver James McKnight was arrested after a domestic violence incident in South Florida.
