Although the Oakland Raiders secured a 33-25 victory over the Indianapolis Colts, Christmas Eve turned into a nightmare for Raider Nation. With the team well ahead, the entire stadium turned into complete silence on a single, season-changing play.
Quarterback Derek Carr was hit and twisted by the Colts on their lone sack of Carr for the game. Coming into the contest, Carr had been sacked at a league low rate and was just hit for his 16th sack of the season.
However, Carr immediately grimaced in pain, signaling to the sideline for the trainers to come onto the field. After a few minutes, Carr had to be helped off the field and taken to the sideline.
Upon some initial tests, Carr was taken via a cart to the locker room, for further tests and evaluations. It was revealed shortly after that Carr has suffered from a broken fibula and will require surgery, via Scott Bair of CSNCalifornia.com:
Derek Carr has a broken fibula. Will have surgery tomorrow. Out indefinitely.
— Scott Bair (@BairCSN) December 25, 2016
Carr was replaced immediately by back up quarterback Matt McGloin, who finished out the contest for the Raiders. The surgery means that Carr will remain out indefinitely, with his status to be determined following the surgery tomorrow.
The timetable for each NFL player is different, but the Raiders do have some luxury in this madness. If the Kansas City Chiefs lose tomorrow to the Denver Broncos, the Raiders clinch the AFC West and a first-round bye.
That first-round bye would technically give the Raiders almost a full month before their showdown in the playoffs. It should be noted that NFL players have recovered from broken fibulas in three weeks, which holds the Raiders’ brass in uncertain circumstances.
The team will give further comments regarding Carr following his surgery tomorrow, as the team certainly hopes that their leader can return in time for the playoffs.
