The Oakland Raiders prospects in 2015 hinge very much on the development of young franchise quarterback Derek Carr.
Yes, it's imperative that Jack Del Rio instill a new identity into the franchise and yes, it's important that defensive cornerstone Khalil Mack take another big step forward, but nothing will dictate the heights to which the 2015 Raiders can potentially ascend like Carr.
Unfortunately for Raiders fans, hopeful of their team finally finding their way out of the NFL doldrums this year, their young signal-caller has been dealing with a finger injury that has limited him thus far in OTAs.
Fortunately for Raiders fans, Carr seems to finally be working his way through the injury.
According to Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com, Carr has finally begun throwing at Oakland's OTAs.
"He'll do what he can when he can," head coach Jack Del Rio said. "Derek is doing well right now."
It's a good step for Carr as he initially wasn't throwing at all at the outset of Raiders organized team activities.
The injury has been characterized as "minor" and, per Bair, that remains the prognosis. There are only five OTA sessions remaining for Carr to amp up his workload, but the majority of Raiders coaches and players seem certain Carr will, at the very least, be back by training camp.
Raiders tackle Donald Penn, who referred to Carr as the clear "leader" of the franchise for next season, said there's little for Raiders fans to worry over where Carr is concerned.
"I have no concern at all," Penn said. "He knows this offense as well as the offensive coordinator. There are no worries about Derek. He's still the first person here in the morning, and he's still making calls in practice. He has a good grasp of the offense. I know what he can do.
"Derek needs to do what he's doing. You don't win games right now. He'll practice when he's ready. Like I tell him all the time, there is no rush."
