The Oakland Raiders will go as quarterback Derek Carr goes. The end of the 2016 season made that perfectly clear.
But the future is looking bright for the one-time 2016 MVP candidate, who suffered a broken fibula less than two months ago. On NFL Total Access on Tuesday, teammate Donald Penn provided an encouraging update.
"I texted Derek two days ago and asked how he was doing, checking in, and he said 'I'm almost 100 percent,'" Penn said.
Derek Carr's brother, NFL Network analyst David, also was on the show and added: "I tell you guys he's 100 percent but you don't believe me, you have to ask Donald (laughs). He's going to be great. He's good. Walking around already, stretching it out. He can't do a lot for the bone, but he's going to be back. He'll get a whole full offseason in, and that's going to be the best part."
While the news should not be surprising given that, back in late December NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that Carr could be a longshot to play in the Super Bowl if the Raiders made it that far, Oakland must be pleased with the fact that everything is on schedule. Carr, who threw for 3,937 yards, 28 touchdowns and six interceptions while leading the Raiders to a 12-3 record in games he started, will have extraordinarily high expectations on his shoulders next season. With the Chiefs getting a year older and the Broncos still trying to discover themselves post-Peyton Manning, the division will again be for the taking.
Having a full offseason program goes a long way toward helping Carr realize those expectations.
