ALAMEDA – Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer will sit out Sunday's season finale against San Diego after being hospitalized overnight, coach Dennis Allen said Monday.
Palmer suffered cracked ribs and a bruised lung Sunday when Carolina defensive end Greg Hardy drilled him as he prepared to pass late in the first quarter. Hardy was penalized 15 yards for roughing the passer.
As soon as the team returned to Oakland following the 17-6 loss to the Panthers, Palmer was taken to Eden Medical Center, where he spent the night under observation. He was released Monday afternoon.
Veteran Matt Leinart and second-year player Terrelle Pryor will be considered for the starting job against the Chargers, Allen said. Leinart relieved Palmer and completed 16 of 32 passes for 115 yards with one interception. Pryor played three snaps.
"Our plan right now is to work both of them this week," Allen said, "and then we'll see how practice goes. Later in the week, we'll be ready to name a starter."
Palmer started the first 15 games this season and passed for 4,018 yards and 22 touchdowns with 14 interceptions. He joined Rich Gannon as the only Raiders to pass for 4,000 or more yards in a season.
Allen called Pryor "a work in progress," adding that Pryor works hard in practice and is making strides toward earning more playing time. On Sunday, Allen said Pryor isn't ready to be the backup.
On Monday, Allen said: "I don't know that he's got full command of everything that we're doing. But I wouldn't expect a lot different out of any other young quarterback. He's got to continue to work, and he's done a nice job."
Players were unavailable for comment Monday after Allen gave them the day off.
Et cetera – Strong safety Tyvon Branch (ankle), cornerback Phillip Adams (groin) and right guard Mike Brisiel (concussion) emerged from Sunday's game at less than full strength. They are questionable for the San Diego game.
• Allen declined to assess the performance of offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and defensive coordinator Jason Tarver. "I don't think this is the time," he said. "We do have one game left. There will be time to assess all aspects of the organization, coaching staff included. We'll do that at some point after the season."
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