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Derek Carr leaves with an apparent groin injury (Video)

ByCole Thompson|
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders scrambles with the football during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 35-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 22: Quarterback Derek Carr #4 of the Las Vegas Raiders scrambles with the football during the NFL game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on November 22, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Chiefs defeated the Raiders 35-31. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

The Las Vegas Raiders might see their season slip out of their grasp with Derek Carr getting hurt. 

The Las Vegas Raiders are playing to remain alive in the AFC postseason picture. Unfortunately, that dream could be coming to an end without quarterback Derek Carr on the field.

Carr left Thursday night’s game with an apparent groin injury on the team’s second drive against the Los Angeles Chargers. His return is questionable.

On third and short, Carr would scramble outside the pocket, hoping to find an open receiver. With no one open, he took off running before abruptly stopping in his tracks out of bounds.

Carr would immediately head to the locker room with the training staff, while the team would settle for a Daniel Carlson field goal.

With Carr out, the Raiders turned to backup Marcus Mariota to lead the way for the time being. Mariota, who signed a one-year deal after five mixed seasons with the Tennessee Titans, was excepted to push Carr for the starting role during training camp.

That might not have ultimately been the case, but Mariota certainly looked ready to get back into the action after riding the bench.

On his opening drive, Mariota went 3-of-3 for 53 yards, connecting with tight end Darren Waller to keep the drive alive. On second down, the former Oregon Duck would find Waller in the end zone for a beautiful ball that ultimately led to a 35-yard touchdown.

The Raiders trailed 17-10 at halftime.

How essential is Derek Carr to the Raiders success?

Justin Herbert has been on point against the Raiders defense. The rookie sensation is on point to beat Andrew Luck’s 300-plus yard games record (six) and Baker Mayfield’s rookie touchdown record (27) to capitalize on a near Pro Bowl season.

Carr has been one the of the more consistent players for the Raiders this season. At 7-6, the team is one loss away from all but taking them out of the postseason conversation.

Mariota started his opening drive with the flare and fireworks. Now the question is, can his defense make a key stop?

And more than that, can Mariota stay strong in the pocket long enough to secure a victory in a must-win Week 15?

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