DENVER — Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton left Sunday’s game in the third quarter and was evaluated for a possible concussion.

Rookie Logan Thomas began warming up as trainers looked at Stanton, who also appeared to be favoring his left shoulder.

Stanton, a backup to starter Carson Palmer, was in the starting lineup for the third consecutive game as Palmer navigates an unpredictable road back from a nerve injury in his throwing shoulder. Head coach Bruce Arians said Palmer is “week to week.”

Thomas was the picture of inconsistency at Virginia Tech and some NFL scouts projected him to be a tight end in the NFL. Thomas, a fourth-round pick, said Friday that he is gaining confidence and felt “prepared” if his number was called.

“Here the motto is next man up,” Thomas said. “That’s how it has to be. Drew’s done a great job. If anything were to happen to Drew, then it’s my job to do the same.”