Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton has developed an infection in his right knee following arthroscopic surgery. Stanton suffered an ACL and MCL sprain in Week 15, and might not be available in the postseason, according to NFL.com's Ian Rapoport. It is believed Stanton was infected by a medical treatment separate from the organization. From all indications, Stanton's season is in peril.
Cardinals QB Drew Stanton has infection, playoff status in doubt
Stanton might be out for an extended period of time due to an infection following his knee injury.
Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Stanton had not undergone surgery for Dec. 11 injury but as @RapSheet reported, QB had scope to remove infection. Antibiotics. Dims hope
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) December 26, 2014 With Stanton potentially out for the duration, the team reversed course from earlier this week. Originally, Arizona planned to start rookie quarterback Logan Thomas, but benched him Thursday in favor of starting veteran Ryan Lindley this week in a fairly meaningless game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Head coach Bruce Arians might be trying to get Lindley ready for the playoffs. Barring a win in San Francisco coupled with the Seattle Seahawks losing at home to the St. Louis Rams, the Cardinals will be the No. 5 seed in the NFC. They will face the winner of the pathetic NFC South, either the Carolina Panthers or Atlanta Falcons.
Stanton took over the controls following Carson Palmer’s torn ACL in November. In eight starts this year, Stanton led the Cardinals to a 5-3 record despite his mediocre numbers. Stanton did enough for Arizona to remain competitive, throwing for 1,711 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. His statistics are Joe Montana-like compared to Lindley, who has never thrown an NFL touchdown but has eight picks and a 49.3 completion percentage. Against the Seahawks last week, Lindley was 18-of-44 for 216 yards and an interception.
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