Jon Gruden said Derek Carr’s injury was quite significant; Marcus Mariota could start for Raiders vs Dolphins

The Las Vegas Raiders didn’t just lose a key rivalry game – and some serious ground in the AFC playoff race – Thursday night. They also lost their starting quarterback, with Marcus Mariota replacing an injured Derek Carr after the team’s second possession. And it doesn’t look like they’ll be getting it back anytime soon. Asked to update Carr’s health following Thursday’s loss to the Chargers, coach Jon Gruden said the QB’s groin injury was “significant enough,” suggesting Mariota could be in line to start the race. week 16.

“I don’t think it’s a real tear,” Gruden told reporters, “but obviously if he can’t finish the game he has to be important enough… So it was difficult. ”

Carr, who hasn’t missed a game in three seasons, was initially deemed doubtful of returning after a run in the red zone in the first quarter left him hampered. By the second half he had been ruled out entirely, with Mariota recording over 300 total yards and two TDs in the Raiders’ 30-27 loss.

It’s unclear if Carr will be training this week, but Gruden’s first remarks indicate it’s very possible Mariota will be forced to take over as the Raiders’ flagman for at least Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins. (8-5). The former Tennessee Titans veteran has 61 career starts under his belt and was signed in March to a two-year, $ 17.6 million contract as one of the highest-paid backups in the NFL.