There were two major trades in the NFL yesterday as the deadline neared. Both looked to be important and both were, but one became important for a different reason than originally intended. First, the trade that went off with out a hitch.

Carson Palmer to Oakland

One trade involved the Bengals sending QB Carson Palmer to the Oakland Raiders. Palmer, who was rostered with the Bengals but refused to play, went to the Raiders because they suddenly were in need of a quarterback due to injury. Oakland will give Cincinnati a first round draft pick next year and a second round the following year. That second round could turn into a first round if the Raiders progress through to the playoffs this year.

Palmer has some time to adjust to his new team. He may or may not play this week against a weak Kansas City club. After that the team has a bye-week. Expect to see Palmer at the helm in three weeks, after the bye.

Lions and Eagles Trade

This trade was one in which running backs were supposed to be exchanged between Detroit and Philadelphia. The exchange was Lions RB Jerome Harrison for Eagles RB Ronnie Brown and an undisclosed draft pick in 2013. It looked like a good deal overall. But during his physical it was discovered that Jerome Harrison had a brain tumor.

That discovery negated the trade but more importantly it revealed a physical problem that may not have been discovered if the trade had not been attempted. Harrison was showing no symptoms. Although Harrison is done playing for the week and presently consulting with doctors, it’s said that his prognosis is good. It’s expected he will return to football but not this year.

Although the physicals that are always performed before a trade can be finalized are required to protect the team from getting damaged goods, this time it took on a higher significance.

Lions Running Back Situation

Detroit has had a potent passing attack but they have lacked a running game. One major problem is RB Jahvid Best is suffering from his third concussion. Now they are without a fullback on their roster. That makes for a major complication for the Lions as they are trying to get back on track after suffering their first defeat last week at the hands of Jim Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers. The Lions were thought to be vulnerable in week six and they proved to be so. Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams along with return specialist Stefan Logan will most likely be asked to fill in at the fullback spot. Detroit looks to be a tough NFL bet to make this week.

Hoping for the Best

Of course, the primary concern for all is Harrison and his health. There are a lot of people thinking about the fullback and praying for him, including everyone associated with the Lions. His serious health problem really puts last week’s altercation between Frisco’s Harbaugh and Lions’ coach Jim Schwartz, which occurred after the game on Sunday.

The incident involved a highly emotional Harbaugh being a little too celebratory when he shook hands with the coach he just defeated and Smith going after him. It was childish when it happened. Now it seems to be downright ridiculous in every way.