Battered Carr ‘hanging in there,’ Gruden says
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was sacked five times in Sunday’s 30-16 loss to Cincinnati. That brought his season total to 47, third highest among NFL quarterbacks — only Houston’s Deshaun
Watson (52) and Dak Prescott of Dallas (51) have been sacked more often.
Head coach Jon Gruden was asked Monday about the collective toll of all these sacks on Carr.
“I think he’s hanging in there,” Gruden said. “I’m sure he’s sore. He knows he’s carrying us right now on offense. That’s what a franchise quarterback is paid to do.
“We’re trying to do everything we can to support him. ... He’s really had us in position to win games.”
Carr has had a strong season by many measures despite Oakland’s 3-11 record. He has thrown for 3,697 yards and 19 touchdowns, with eight interceptions. Carr hasn’t thrown an interception in the past nine games after throwing eight in the first five games.
Gruden called Carr’s season “astonishing” in light of all the injuries to hit the Raiders’ offense.
“The guy is a hell of a player, a great quarterback,” Gruden said. “We’re very pleased and proud of what he’s done. We know we’ve got to get better around him, and we will.” Injury report: Cornerback
Gareon Conley is in the concussion protocol, according to Gruden, leaving Conley’s status in doubt for Monday night’s home game against Denver.
Gruden also said he’s “hopeful” guards Kelechi Osemele (toe injury) and Gabe Jackson (elbow) will return this season, with only two games left on the schedule. Gruden, though, didn’t sound optimistic, saying of Osemele, “It’s hard for him to maneuver,” and of Jackson, “It’s hard to block people when you can’t move your arm.”
One sliver of hope for Oakland’s injury-thinned offensive line: Gruden said “there’s a chance” Donald Penn could suit up against the Broncos. Penn hasn’t played since suffering a leg injury Sept. 30 against Cleveland.