Ahead of schedule? Carr works out four days after back injury
ALAMEDA » Four days after suffering a transverse process fracture in his back, Derek Carr returned to practice.
The Raiders’ quarterback stretched and jogged with the team before throwing to receivers Thursday during the portion open to media.
The initial injury diagno- sis was that he’d be out for 2- 6 weeks, though other players like Tony Romo and Cam Newton have returned in fewer than two weeks from the same fracture. It essentially boils down to Carr’s pain tolerance with regards to how much he can do.
Earlier in the afternoon, left tackle Donald Penn said Carr was “way ahead of schedule” in his rehab.
Carr was officially listed as limited in practice after not participating altogether on Wednesday.
Though he hasn’t officially been ruled out for Sunday’s game against the Ravens, EJ Manuel will more than likely start.
His injury came late in the third quarter against Denver on Sunday, when Adam Gotsis looked to knee Carr in the lower backwhile finishing a sack. Carr left the game and didn’t return, while Manuel led a comeback attempt that fell just short.
Manuel went 11-of-17 for 106 yards and an interception. The Raiders’ backup started 17 games over four seasons with the Bills after being taken 16th overall in the 2013 draft.
Carr boasts a 67.9 completion percentage this season with 753 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions. If Carr only misses one game, he’ll return for next Sunday’s tilt at home against the Chargers. Theweek after that, Oakland hosts the currently undefeated Chiefs on Thursday Night Football.
• Wide receiver Michael Crabtree was a full participant in practice for the first time since a chest injury against Washington and will probably start against Baltimore. Defensive lineman Mario Edwards Jr. ( back) was also a full participant.
• CornerbackDavidAmerson (concussion) was a limited participant but has not completed the concussion protocol. Also limited was cornerback Gareon Conley (shin) after sitting out Wednesday. Conley will be evaluated Friday and the decision as towhether or not he’s active might not be made until Sunday
• Washington was limited for the second straight daywith a hamstring injury.
• Potential starters who did not participate in practice for Baltimore due to injury are cornerback Jimmy Smith (Achilles), defensive lineman Brandon Williams (foot) and tight end Benjamin Watson (calf).