Carson Palmer was ruled out of the season finale against the San Diego Chargers with cracked ribs and a punctured lung Monday.

A day after coach Dennis Allen said Terrelle Pryor wasn’t ready to be the backup quarterback, there’s at least a possibility he could be the starter. Allen said backup Matt Leinart and Pryor would both get first-team reps and a decision would be made as to the starter late in the week. There are no plans to bring in a third quarterback.

Support has mounted from a fan base that’s never seen b at practice, and Allen was blunt following a 17-6 loss to Carolina about why Leinart subbed for Palmer.

“Matt’s our backup quarterback,” Allen said Sunday. “Terrelle’s done a nice job. He’s working extremely hard. We don’t feel like he’s ready to be the backup quarterback yet.”