The Oakland Raiders might not be as set at the quarterback position as the coaching staff would like. The Raiders continue to search for consistency at the position and thought this was the year they would finally get it. After acquiring Matt Schaub and drafting Derek Carr, things were looking up. However, injuries and early struggles have put doubts in the rotation drawing familiarities from past seasons.
The Oakland Raiders are stressing they do not have another Matt Flynn situation on their hands, but a recent injury to Schaub is making people draw comparisons between the two. Flynn was signed by the Raiders last season to be their starting quarterback, but he never made it to Week 1 after elbow tendinitis put Terrelle Pryor in the starting spot instead. Flynn was eventually released mid-season. Schaub was held out of practice after experiencing soreness in his throwing elbow. Is history repeating itself?
According to Oakland Tribune writer Jerry McDonald, Schaub is dealing with an elbow injury that could linger into the regular season. However, McDonald notes that head coach Dennis Allen does not believe the issue is serious and the quarterback likely just needs some rest.
"He came in yesterday afternoon with a little soreness in his elbow,'' Allen said. "'We'll see where he's at tomorrow and kind of take that day by day.''
However, there should be some concern with the Raiders fanbase. The veteran has not exactly looked totally solid in the preseason so far. Schaub is in need of a major bounce back after his tenure in Houston did not end well. The quarterback was brought in because Oakland believed he could revitalize his career in new setting, but if Schaub is unable to do so, Oakland could have some issues.
According to Albert Breer of the Bay Area News Group, the Raiders coaching staff believes Derek Carr can start if needed. The rookie was taken in the second-round of the NFL Draft and has certainly shown signs of potential through three preseason games even after suffering a concussion. He took all the first-team reps during Sunday's practice and if Schaub is not ready or healthy enough to play, many believe Carr will be under center in two weeks.
The Raiders would ideally like to avoid this situation and stick with Schaub as the team's starter, but if Carr is needed then he can step up. Oakland also has last season's starter Matt McGloin on the roster along with veteran Trent Edwards. It is unlikely either of those two will be considered if Schaub's elbow issue carries on.