The Oakland Raiders are expected to have Derek Carr ready for minicamp after he dealt with a hand injury in OTA workouts, as he has been cleared to throw by doctors and this comes as the team is ready to push the offense with Amari Cooper, as players like Trent Richardson, Latavius Murray and Roy Helu are competing for the chance to start heading into camp.
The Raiders got good news on Carr heading into OTA workouts, as he did not need surgery on his injured hand and now they have received another dose of positive news. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Carr was cleared by doctors to participate in minicamp coming up this month and it comes after he was limited in what he could do in OTAs due to his hand issue. Carr had some numbness and was dealing with a ring finger injury, but he now is able to participate and could start throwing more leading up to camp.
Pro Football Talk reports that Carr likely will not be 100 percent for camp, but it's big that he can participate after missing some OTA workouts. The team has a new head coach and a number of new offensive players and the Raiders want Carr to build chemistry in the offseason and training camp. Bill Williamson at ESPN writes that the "plan" for the Raiders is to "throw some" in minicamp, but they likely will limit his workouts. Williamson adds that the team has "no concern over his ring finger" injury moving forward.
Rapoport added that Carr likely would be "eased in" after missing some OTA work, but having him ready for camp is a big development. Carr had a very solid rookie season for the Raiders and the team feels they have the quarterback of the future. Getting a full offseason with the new coaching staff is big and he also needs to get reps with Amari Cooper, Clive Walford, Michael Crabtree and Trent Richardson as new additions to the team.
Carr was able to throw last week in a limited capacity and that puts him on track for minicamp after being cleared to participate. The Raiders have some competition to deal with in training camp, including at running back with Richardson and Murray battling to start. Helu was also signed this offseason along with Richardson, but he is more of a third down back and receiver option out of the backfield. Richardson spent the last two years with the Colts and he needs tp prove he can be an every down back again.
According to ESPN Raiders reporter Bill Williamson, Murray has the inside edge to start, as he had a solid season last year in limited time and has a better handle on the offense. Murray was injured his rookie year, but last season he showed some flashes and had 424 yards on 82 carries in 15 games. Murray averaged over five yards per carry and if he can stay healthy he likely will start for the Raiders heading into training camp and it could be his job to lose.