Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) prepares to pass against the Denver Broncos in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Raiders 47-14. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
The third week of Oakland Raiders 2015 OTAs began this afternoon at team headquarters in Alameda, and the man who was again at the center of attention was starting quarterback Derek Carr as Carr continues to try to work himself back to full health with a nagging finger injury hampering his practice time. Particularly when it comes to throwing the football as Carr sat out throwing drills last week and will likely do so again when it comes to individual throwing sessions as he inches his way towards full recovery. However Tuesday saw an encouraging sign as Carr reached another checkpoint in his road to returning to full activity for the Raiders offseason program.
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What was promising on Tuesday was that Carr was spotted throwing the football before the quarterbacks branched off for individual passing drills, media members on hand in Alameda reporting that Carr was taking part early in practice by making a few short throws before inevitably sitting out as he continues his path to recovery.
Carr’s throwing on Tuesday was apart of his slowly increasing activity from week to week at OTAs, something that is encouraging for now even if he is still far from 100% ready to shoulder a full workload. A few short passes a better sign of his progress than simply taking some snaps and not throwing last week, but still a report that signals that Carr is very much in the middle of a rehab project than soon to be back to full power with his injured hand.
Derek Carr's activity is increasing somewhat. He's thrown a few times on the side this far, one throwing rep. That's about it this far.
— Scott Bair (@ScottBairNFL) June 2, 2015
Carr throw some short balls but sitting out longer passing drills #Raiders
— Bill Williamson (@BWilliamsonNFL) June 2, 2015
In early June it is hard to panic over a minor injury that should heal in time for 2015 Training Camp and the full preseason schedule, but it is a concern that a young quarterback is missing OTA time trying to get a nagging injury to go away. Particularly a finger injury that could present minor pain throughout the season if Carr doesn’t rehab the injury enough before taking on the bulk of the reps at practice. Expect Carr to slowly recover with each week providing a more encouraging sign, but for now the Raiders starting quarterback’s health status is something to monitor as his finger injury continues to provide an annoyance for a player who thrives on putting in work on the practice field to prepare for Sunday’s in the fall.