The Arizona Cardinals got some great news Friday on quarterback Drew Stanton, who left Thursday night's game with a right knee injury.
NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Friday evening that the quarterback has a Grade 2 MCL spain and is expected back for the playoffs, per two sources.
It's a "huge relief," a source familiar with the MRI results told Rapoport.
Coach Bruce Arians told reporters earlier on Friday that Stanton will not need knee surgery and there is no timetable for the quarterback's return.
"(Stanton) definitely has a chance to be back this season, we just don't know when," Arians added.
That likely means the Cardinals will have to weather the rest of the regular season without their veteran quarterback. Arizona (11-3), barring a tie between the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, clinched a playoff spot with their 12-6 victory over the St. Louis Rams.
Stanton has guided the Cardinals to a 3-2 mark in five games since taking over the starting duties after Carson Palmer's season ended with a torn ACL.
On Thursday, the Cards turned to former 2012 sixth-round pick Ryan Lindley to close out the win. Depending on how much time Stanton misses, Arians could roll with Lindley or plug in rookie Logan Thomas after prepping the big, young signal-caller during the week.
The latest Around The NFL Podcast previews the Week 15 schedule and recaps the Cardinals' win over the Rams. Find more Around The NFL content on NFL NOW.
