Derek Carr practices on limited basis, will try to play against Miami Dolphins

With four days to go until game day, Las Vegas Raiders starting quarterback Derek Carr is still hoping to play on Saturday night at home against the Miami Dolphins.

Las Vegas coach Jon Gruden said Carr practiced on a limited basis on Tuesday, when he said Carr and backup Marcus Mariota rotated practice reps.

Carr left in the first quarter with a groin injury in a home loss to the Los Angeles Chargers last Thursday night and did not return. The next day, Gruden said Carr was “50/50” to play against the Dolphins. NFL Media also reported then that Carr would need 10 to 14 days to recover from the groin strain. So, Carr had an eight-day window to be able to play against the Dolphins.

“We’ll see how the week goes,” Gruden said. “We will be smart. We will do what’s best for Derek and the team.”

Added Carr: “The best part of my game is my mind and that still works. I’m going to do everything I can to be able to get on the field.”

Carr is known for being a fast healer. In 2017, he missed just one game with a broken bone in his back even though he was expected to miss multiple games.

“He’s a premier competitor in the league.” Gruden said of Carr.

If Carr has a setback or the team decides he isn’t ready to play, Mariota will play against the Dolphins. Mariota shined in his Las Vegas debut against the Chargers as he completed 17-of-28 pass attempts and ran for 88 yards in the 30-27 overtime defeat.