When Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was knocked out of Sunday’s game in Denver, a 16-10 loss, every player in a silver and black uniform was worried.
“It felt like the whole sideline got its wind knocked out,” Oakland defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. told reporters.
Fortunately, it appears Carr’s injury isn’t serious. According to Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio, Carr suffered back spasms after being twisted while being tackled late in the third quarter.
“It’s something that should be cleaned up quickly,” said Del Rio.
Del Rio added, however, that Carr will undergo “precautionary tests” to make certain the injury is not more serious. If it is back spasms, Carr may be able to bounce back to play this Sunday, when the 2-2 Ravens visit the 2-2 Raiders, who have now lost two straight.
When Carr was told that Del Rio said he was suffering from back spasms, he told the media: “I’m glad he knows. That’s awesome.”
But when he first went down, on a sack, he said he was worried the injury was more serious.
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“At first you’re like, ‘Oh my gosh, what the heck?’” he said, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com. “But you kind of give it a little bit and let as much of the pain wear off as it can and go from there. I tried to come in and let (trainers) work on it. I tried to throw and those kinds of things. I just wasn’t ready yet … not saying it won’t be (ready for the Ravens game). It just wasn’t ready today. I tried to do anything I could to be back out there, but I just couldn’t.”
Former Bills quarterback EJ Manuel replaced Carr and was 11-of-17 for 106 yards, with an interception. Before leaving the game, Carr was 10-of-18 for 143 yards and one touchdown, a 64-yard strike to Johnny Holton.
Sunday’s game against the Ravens is set to begin at 1:05 p.m.
