Gruden refuses to name Raiders QB, but signs point to Carr

Dec. 25 (UPI) — This week, Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden has refused to name the team’s starting quarterback, but signs point to Derek Carr taking the first snap in Week 16.

Carr injured his groin in the Raiders Week 15 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers and backup quarterback Marcus Mariota played well in three quarters and overtime in relief and was expected to start this week before Carr returned to practice.

“Derek practiced [Wednesday and Thursday] and so did Mariota,” Gruden told reporters on Thursday. “We’ll see what happens [Friday] in terms of which way we will go. We will have two quarterbacks prepared to play.”

The Raiders host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev. The Dolphins have allowed the fewest points per game in the NFL.

Gruden would not confirm that Carr will be active on Saturday, but said it was his “plan” to have the quarterback available to play.

“[Carr] has shown a lot of good things,” Gruden said. “I’m not going to let the cat out of the bag. I’m going to make sure he’s OK. I want to make sure he can do all the things he needs to do when going against a defense that blitzes almost every play.”

Carr has completed 68.1% of his throws for 3,396 yards, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 14 games this season.

The Raiders and Dolphins kick off at 8:15 p.m. EST Saturday.

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The Seahawks’ Jacob Hollister (C) celebrates after scoring a 10-yard touchdown. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The Seahawks’ Chris Carson (C) runs against Washington. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Washington’s Dwayne Haskins looks to pass. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

Washington’s Dwayne Haskins (R) is knocked down by the Seahawks’ Poona Ford. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The Seahawks’ DK Metcalf (R) attempts to bring in a pass against Washington’s Shaun Dion Hamilton. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

The Seahawks’ D.J. Reed (R) breaks up a pass for Washington’s Terry McLaurin. Photo by Kevin Dietsch/UPI | License Photo

New York Jets’ Pat Elflein (C) protects Sam Darnold (R) from Los Angeles Rams’ Aaron Donald at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on Sunday. The Jets upset the Rams 23-20. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

The Jets’ Marcus Mays (R) knocks down a pass intended for the Rams’ Gerald Everett. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

The Jets’ Bryce Hall (C) runs an interception against the Rams. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

The Jets’ Sam Darnold (L) passes the ball past the Rams’ Leonard Floyd. Photo by Jon SooHoo/UPI | License Photo

The Jaguars’ Collin Johnson makes a pass reception for short yardage against the Ravens. Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo

The Ravens’ Tyler Huntley (C) reacts with teammates after a quarterback keeper play against the Jaguars. Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo

A Baltimore Ravens security official brings the holiday spirit to the stadium, which was devoid of fans due to the pandemic. Photo by David Tulis/UPI | License Photo