Which starters will see action?
Appearing on The Athletic‘s State of the Nation podcast, Derek Carr emphasized the declining importance of the preseason, reiterating that he needed “only one drive” to get ready for the upcoming season. Across the league, the likelihood of starters playing during the preseason is dwindling. The matter of fact is that the risk of injury in a meaningless August is too great.
Still, if Carr is correct, then he should need only one offensive drive with the starters in order to work out the kinks before the season truly begins. Is it possible that we see that sole drive Thursday night in Arizona?
Jon Gruden may want Carr out there to get a feel for his chemistry with the receivers, even if Antonio Brown presumably does not suit up. On the defensive side of the ball, injuries forced the likes of Arden Key to play late into the fourth quarter against the Rams. Might we see some starters out there and other potential key players lined up for a majority of snaps?