Fansided

Derek Carr injury: Raiders QB has transverse process fracture, out 2-4 weeks

By Christopher Novak

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders walks off the field after being injured in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. Carr was hurt on the play and left the game. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, October 1, 2017. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Derek Carr (4) of the Oakland Raiders walks off the field after being injured in the third quarter of the game against the Denver Broncos. Carr was hurt on the play and left the game. The Denver Broncos hosted the Oakland Raiders at Sports Authority Field at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Sunday, October 1, 2017. (Photo by John Leyba/The Denver Post via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Oakland Raiders will be without Derek Carr for the next 2-4 weeks, so what does this injury mean for the Silver and Black going forward?

The Oakland Raiders had a tough go on Sunday. Not only did they lose to the division rival Denver Broncos, but their star quarterback went down with an injury. Derek Carr came out of the game following a back injury he suffered in the third quarter. Initially, the reports were that he merely had back spasms.

But on Monday, new information came to light that was less than ideal.

Head coach Jack Del Rio informed reporters that the former Fresno State QB suffered a transverse process fracture in his back. The injury will keep Carr out for the next 2-4 weeks.

The loss of Carr comes at a less than stellar time for Oakland. The Raiders play two divisional opponents (Los Angeles, Kansas City) within the next four weeks. The Silver and Black will face AFC opponents in each of the next four weeks (Baltimore and Buffalo).

The “ideal” situation here is that Carr is out for the next two weeks and returns for the game against the Chiefs on Thursday, Oct. 19. With Kansas City out to a fast start, it’s clear that Oakland will have to do as much as it can to keep pace. KC doesn’t have the easiest go the next three weeks, with matchups against Washington, the Houston Texans and Pittsburgh coming up. But without Carr under center, the Raiders are obviously a much different team.

Carr’s skill set is dynamic enough where he can let it rip to receivers Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree with ease, and his abilities make them a legit contender in the AFC this season. With him out of the lineup, then complexion could change. Especially with them looking up at KC and now Denver in the AFC West.

Next: See the latest FanSided.com power rankings

The Raiders’ backup is former first rounder E.J. Manuel. He played pretty well in relief, all things considered, against Denver’s dominant defense. He went 11-for-17 for 106 yards and an interception.

For the Raiders’ sake, and their chances in the AFC, Manuel better be as much improved as they claim him to be.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders