Who is Derek Carr’s backup?
By John Buhler
So Derek Carr wrecked the pinky finger on his throwing hand against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Who is Carr’s backup on the Oakland Raiders?
The Oakland Raiders were a little less than a half from achieving their first winning season since 2002 when starting quarterback Derek Carr absolutely mangled his fifth digit on his throwing hand.
It went in a direction that no pinky finger should ever go. Carr broke/dislocated his pinky on a play under center and then proceeded to fumble the snap versus the Carolina Panthers at home on Sunday. So, who is Carr’s backup in Oakland?
The No. 2 quarterback on the Oakland depth chart is fourth-year pro Matt McGloin. McGloin hasn’t played in close to a year since Carr emerged as the franchise quarterback for the Raiders. McGloin played his college ball for the Penn State Nittany Lions. He was a former walk-on at Penn State before beginning his NFL career in 2013.
Carr had his pinky popped back into place and is throwing the football along the Oakland sidelines. Obviously, the Raiders want Carr back in there, but shouldn’t rush him back if he can’t throw a tight spiral.
The Panthers have a strong defensive unit that would certainly be able to pick off a lame duck pass from an injured Carr. Carolina desperately needs a win to stay alive in the NFC South race. The Raiders want to hold on to first place in the AFC by winning at home against the Panthers.
Next: NFL Power Rankings: 30 Best QB of All-Time
Should Carr play through pain in his throwing hand and still win on Sunday, it will only add to his potential NFL MVP candidacy. Carr has shown great poise in 2016 to win the tight ball games should they go down to the wire. Will he or will it be McGloin who has to carry the Raiders in this one?