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Oakland Raiders: Derek Carr’s Smooth Recovery Promising For High Hopes

By Tony Fischer

Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) signals at the line before the snap during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) signals at the line before the snap during the first quarter of the game against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports /
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Derek Carr is expected to not miss any offseason workouts, which is great news for an Oakland Raiders team with big expectations for 2017

The Oakland Raiders had Super Bowl intentions when Derek Carr went down with a leg injury in late December 2016. The team had finally put together a complete season and Raider Nation had arguably the hottest team going into the playoffs. But then came the injury to Carr’s leg and the Raiders’ season was done. Backup quarterback Connor Cook couldn’t finish what his mentor had started and their run was over before it started.

In the wake of the disappointment surrounding last season, there was some good news. Derek Carr suffered no ligament damage (per CSN Bay Area) and would be ready for next season. Head coach Jack Del Rio was asked about Carr’s status during the spring owners meetings.

Despite the realization that Carr is the heart of this Raiders team, Del Rio was unconcerned with pushing him. He’s confident in his quarterback, as reported by Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. Del Rio continued:

"“I got to peek out and see him working with the trainers last week … he’s moving around very well,” Del Rio said of his quarterback. “I think he’s real excited about where it is and how the rehab is going. We expect to have him for all the [organized team activities] and everything.”"

The news couldn’t come at a better time for Raiders fans who are still reeling after revelations about the teams pending move to Las Vegas. The Raiders still have at least one season in Oakland before the team makes the move to Sin City, and possibly as many as three. They will need fans to fill the seats for a repeat playoff run. Given the animosity toward the team and owner Mark Davis, only winning will fill O.co Coliseum in 2017.

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To that end, the more reps Derek Carr can get will shorten the learning curve for newly acquired tight end Jared Cook and build on the chemistry established last season with No. 1 receiver Amari Cooper. The offense must be in sync in Week 1 for the team to get off to a fast start.  If they aren’t, they run the risk of completely losing the fan base and whatever home field advantage they have left.

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