NFL Football 2012 Week 3 - Steelers vs. Raiders

FIRST HALF

SECOND Half

Carson Palmer to have Big Day in the Stat Book

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- Carson Palmer could be in for another busy day for the Oakland Raiders.

With top two running backs Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson slowed this week by sprained right ankles, the Raiders may need to rely on their passing game when they visit the Baltimore Ravens.

Palmer threw the ball 61 times last week against Tampa Bay as the Raiders (3-5) were forced to play catch-up in the second half after losing McFadden and Goodson to the injuries. Neither back practiced Wednesday and their status remains in doubt for Sunday's game against the Ravens (6-2).

''We've got a plan in place if either or both of those guys are not able to play,'' coach Dennis Allen said.

That likely will involve lots of passing with no other proven halfback on the roster. Palmer set a career high in attempts in last week's 42-32 loss to Tampa Bay, completing 39 passes for 414 yards, four touchdowns and three interceptions.

With McFadden out for the entire second half, Goodson getting hurt in the fourth quarter and Oakland falling behind by 18 points, the Raiders ran the ball just three times in the second half - their fewest in eight years.

''You got to adjust to what your health is of your team, but you know it's a team that's had some yards rushing on them, especially the last couple of weeks,'' Palmer said. ''It's very odd. I have never seen that before in my career. So, there are some things we want to take advantage of in the run game.

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