Trojans in the NFL: Carson Palmer suffers season-ending injury

A few days after he signed a $50-million contract extension, former USC quarterback Carson Palmer’s season ended.

Arizona Cardinals Coach Bruce Arians announced Monday that Palmer suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s 31-14 victory over the St. Louis Rams at University of Phoenix Stadium.

Palmer completed 25 of 36 passes for 241 yards with an interception before he fell to the turf without being hit and was carted from the field.

On Friday, several outlets reported that Palmer’s extension was worth $50 million, with about $20.5 million guaranteed.

Palmer, in his 12th season, had passed for 1,626 yards and 11 touchdowns with three interceptions.

Harbaugh praises Martin

Rookie center Marcus Martin made his second start for the San Francisco 49ers in their 27-24 overtime victory over the New Orleans Saints at the Superdome.

Coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters after the game that he gave Martin “a lot of credit” for his performance in a hostile environment.

“I thought he was really on his game,” Harbaugh said. “Darn near every snap was perfect and he was really poised and handled the noise and it was outstanding.”

Martin, a third-round pick, started two seasons at left guard for USC before moving to center his final season.

Sanchez to start on Monday night

Former USC quarterback Mark Sanchez will start for the Philadelphia Eagles against the Carolina Panthers on Monday night.

Sanchez replaces Nick Foles, who suffered a shoulder injury last Sunday.

Matt Barkley will back-up Sanchez.

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