Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr managed to put on another stellar performance during the team’s 26-17 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.
Carr’s historic start to the 2021 NFL season is amplified by the team’s 2-0 record against formidable AFC North opponents. Not only did he become just the fourth quarterback in NFL history with at least 380 passing yards and multiple touchdowns in each of the first two games of a season, but his 817 passing yards during that span are also the most in franchise history.
Unfortunately, Carr could not make it out unscathed as his heroic effort versus the Steelers included suffering an ankle injury. As a result, his status for their Week 3 home-stand against the Miami Dolphins remains in question.
Head coach Jon Gruden revealed that Carr got an MRI on his ankle and is currently listed as questionable along with running back Josh Jacobs, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic:
Derek Carr had an MRi on his ankle today and Jon Gruden thinks he will be able to play Sunday: "Right now he's questionable."
Gruden also said RB Josh Jacobs (toe, ankle) is questionable. #Raiders— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) September 20, 2021
While the injury initially appeared rather serious, Carr did not miss a single snap as he completed 28-of-37 passes for 382 yards and two touchdowns in the process. However, it seems the Raiders are now taking every precaution they can to ensure his health moving forward.
The timing of the injury is hardly ideal given the current state of options under center. They are without their No. 2 option in Marcus Mariota after re-aggravating his quad injury in Week 1 and being placed on injured reserve.
This leaves Nathan Peterman as the only option to take over for Carr if he cannot play versus the Dolphins. They also signed quarterback Kyle Sloter to the practice squad in response to the lack of options at their disposal.
The Raiders will not be the only ones with quarterback issues in Week 3 since Dolphins’ quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is dealing with a rib injury. Given the team’s playoff expectations, it will be interesting to see if they risk aggravating the injury for Carr so early in the season.
