Raiders Likely To Start QB Matt Leinart Over Terrelle Pryor In Finale

Just when you think the picture couldn't be any bleaker for the Raiders after their seventh loss in eight games, it turns out quarterback Carson Palmer has cracked ribs and a bruised lung. Coach Dennis Allen disclosed the injuries Monday and, while ruling Palmer out for Sunday's season-ending game at San Diego, he said he won't decide whether Matt Leinart or Terrelle Pryor will start until later in the week. Based on Allen's statement after Sunday's 17-6 road loss to the Panthers that Pryor isn't ready yet, it would seem that Leinart will make his first start with the Raiders. The 29-year-old left-hander, who won the Heisman Trophy at USC in 2004, was generally ineffective against the Panthers after Palmer left in the first quarter on a hit that drew a roughing-the-passer penalty against Greg Hardy. According to Allen, Leinart's ineffectiveness could be traced to being rusty and not having the timing down with his receivers. But he said, "I think he would tell you there were some plays out there that we left on the table." Source: San Francisco Chronicle