Derek Carr is helped off the field. (Getty)
The Oakland Raiders come into their January 7 game depleted on offense due to recent injuries.
Perhaps the most notable of the Raiders’ list of inactives is quarterback Derek Carr, who fractured his fibula during Week 16 of the regular season. Carr will be replaced by rookie QB Connor Cook, who will make his first-career NFL start in a playoff game, becoming the first player ever to do so.
In addition to Carr’s status, the Raiders released their list of inactive players about 90 minutes prior to kickoff in Houston.
Today’s Inactives: Derek Carr, Nate Allen, Antonio Hamilton, Donald Penn, Vadal Alexander, Jihad Ward, Branden Jackson.
The list includes safety Nate Allen, who suffered a concussion in the team’s last game. He is officially listed as “out” for the game.
Joining Allen on the sideline for the game is LT Donald Penn. Penn, a Pro Bowl left tackle for Oakland, was heartbroken with the news he wouldn’t be able to play in the playoff game against the Texans. He took to Twitter to voice his frustrations with having to sit on the sideline with his knee injury for the playoff game.
Cook may have some added pressure coming from the Texans on the left side of the line with Penn out for the game.
In addition to Penn and Allen’s absence, DB Antonio Hamilton, OG Vadal Alexander, DE Jihad Ward and DL Branden Jackson are also out for the game.
The Raiders and Texans will play each other with a 4:35 p.m. Eastern kickoff time from NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be broadcast on ESPN.
