SAN FRANCISCO – Anytime a starting quarterback misses practice, it’s cause for alarm. It’s certainly subdued in mid-May, but there’s significant interest in how much of the Raiders offseason program that ailing signal caller Derek Carr will miss.
He did not participate in Tuesday’s OTA, the first public practice since his injury, and head coach Jack Del Rio declined to clarify the nature of his ailment after that session.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reported later Tuesday afternoon that Carr has a right ring finger injury – on his throwing hand – that might require surgery. The report stated his participation in OTAs were in doubt but there’s optimism Carr will be back by training camp.
[RELATED: Carr a spectator for Raiders' OTA work]
A source close to Carr did not specify the nature of the injury, reports about the possibility of a surgical procedure in the future remain unconfirmed.
The source emphasized time and again that Carr’s injury was “minor” and not cause for serious concern.
Carr was a real bright spot from an otherwise disappointing 2014 campaign where the Raiders finished 3-13. He started all 16 games as a rookie, and threw for 3,270 yards, 21 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.
Christian Ponder will take first-team reps with Carr out. Matt McGloin and Cody Fajardo will run the reserve units.
