Report: Raiders encouraged by Derek Carr MRI, inform Christian Ponder he won't be signed for now

There appears to be some good news on this bloody Monday after all. Raiders starting QB Derek Carr left yesterday's game against the Bengals in the 2nd quarter with what appeared to be a serious hand injury, but it now seems that they may have escaped major damage after all.

Chris Mortensen of ESPN first reported that the Raiders had been in contact with Christian Ponder before any information of the MRI for Derek Carr's hand had been reported.

Christian Ponder has been contacted by Raiders as Derek Carr was set to have MRI on hand.

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 14, 2015

Now, Chris Mortensen has updated his original report and is reporting that the Raiders were encouraged by the MRI results on Derek Carr's hand. So encouraged in fact that they have informed QB Christian Ponder that he will not be signed again as a result of this injury. Christian Ponder was in the battle for the back up QB spot all preseason before being cut in favor of Matt McGloin.

Update: Raiders encouraged by MRI on QB Derek Carr; have informed Christian Ponder he will not be signed at this time unless there's setback

— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) September 14, 2015

This is a big relief for Raider Nation as it signals that Derek Carr should be ok to play sooner rather than later. In fact, without signing another back up QB for Week 2 it appears that Carr will at very least be able to suit up to play the QB2 spot if needed and more likely is going to be able to start after all.

Also with an update on Derek Carr's injury earlier was ESPN's Ian Rapoport.

The #Raiders got positive MRI news on QB Derek Carr and his bruised thumb. The swelling will determine if he plays. No one ruling it out

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 14, 2015