Predicting Raiders 53-man roster entering training camp
By Brad Weiss
Quarterback (2): Derek Carr, EJ Manuel
No big surprise here, as Derek Carr enters his fifth season as the starting quarterback for the Raiders. Carr had a breakout campaign back in 2016, though it ended with a broken leg, and is considered one of the best young quarterbacks in the game.
Last season, Carr also was injured, this time breaking his back early in the year against the Denver Broncos. He was replaced that day by veteran EJ Manuel, who looks to have the early lead in terms of winning the backup quarterback job for the 2018 season.
Connor Cook is the third quarterback on the roster, and he is going to get every chance to make this roster this summer. However, it is not likely that Gruden will roll with three quarterbacks, especially in Week 1, and for now, we will stick with Manuel being the top backup for Carr to start the season.
There is a lot to do this summer, and the roster will change throughout training camp. Gruden and his staff are looking to reverse the team’s fortunes from a year ago, and based on what we have seen throughout organized team activities and minicamps, the attitude in the building is one of hope, and determination.