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Derek Carr injury: 5 Raiders who must step up

By Brad Berreman

December 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is carted off the field after an injury against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
December 24, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) is carted off the field after an injury against the Indianapolis Colts during the fourth quarter at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mandatory Credit: Thearon W. Henderson-Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Thearon W. Henderson-Getty Images /

4. RB DeAndre Washington

Washington had the best game of his rookie season against the Colts, with 12 carries for 99 yards and two touchdowns along with one catch for 18 yards. He had been a healthy scratch for three straight games before totaling six touches in Week 15, so a breakout game on Saturday was unexpected, to say the least.

Latavius Murray and Jalen Richard also have prominent roles in Oakland’s backfield mix, and they will continue to barring injuries. But Washington was productive with a higher volume of work against the Colts, opportunities, and he should be heavily involved going forward.

The proverbial rookie “wall” may have been a thing for Washington as the November wound down and December started. But he appears to have busted through it now, albeit in a one-game sample and Washington may be ready to step up at a very important time for the Raiders. A strong running game will be key for the Raiders and January and Washington will certaily be in the mix.

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