"Anybody's first reaction is just frustration," Palmer said. "When your season is cut short and you put so much into it, when you start training in March and it ends in October, it's obviously frustrating. But you continue to try and help in any way you can and be a part of the team even though you feel like you really can't contribute."

That included Friday, when Palmer – who had already been talking to linebacker Markus Golden after Golden's ACL tear – talked with safety Tyvon Branch and left tackle D.J. Humphries after their serious knee injuries suffered Thursday against the Seahawks.

"In those small ways I'm trying to help guys get their mind around how serious and how big of a hurdle it is," Palmer said. "I'm trying to be a resource."

The quarterback news got worse for the Cardinals Saturday when multiple reports said Palmer fill-in Drew Stanton hurt his knee against the Seahawks and he could miss the Cards' next game in Houston. If that happened, Blaine Gabbert would start.

Palmer's absence didn't bother the fans at the Cox store Saturday, many of whom wished Palmer a speedy recovery as they got an autograph or photo. But Palmer's rehab likely will only be one factor in a return from IR, along with the Cardinals' record.