Raiders should get boost from return of quarterback Derek Carr

Opponent: vs. Los Angeles Chargers

Time: 1:25 p.m.

Line: Raiders by 2

Records: Raiders 2-3, Chargers 1-4

TV/radio: Ch. 13 (Kevin Harlan, Rich Gannon), 1140

The Raiders should get a big boost this week with the return of star quarterback Derek Carr , who missed last week’s game with a broken bone in his back. Carr has won his past four starts against the Chargers and has 11 touchdown passes and four interceptions in six games against them. “It means a lot,” receiver Amari Cooper said. “He’s our leader. The offense flows through him.”

After being held to 56 yards rushing in losses to Washington and Denver, the Raiders got a spark from their running game last week when they ran for 108 yards against Baltimore. Marshawn Lynch and crew will be counted on for another big performance against a Los Angeles defense that ranks last in the league against the run this season, allowing 161.2 yards per game and 5 yards per carry. “When you can’t do that it’s going to cause some trouble for us,” defensive end Joey Bosa said of stopping the run. “They’re going to be able to run play-action and other sorts of things when we can’t stop the run game. It’s definitely an emphasis going into this week and every week.”

Even when the Raiders struggled defensively a year ago, they did thrive at taking the ball away. Their 30 takeaways ranked second in the NFL a year ago and were a major reason why they won 12 games. Oakland has just four through five weeks this season, with two coming on special teams. The Raiders also have joined the Chicago Bears as the only teams to have no interceptions in the first five games since the 2002 Buffalo Bills. “We have to take advantage of opportunities,” cornerback David Amerson said. “When the ball comes your way, you have to get to the ball. Rush and coverage go hand in hand. When our rush is getting there, it definitely makes it easier for the secondary to get our hands on balls.”

Associated Press

Out: CB Gareon Conley (shin), CB Antonio Hamilton (knee), LB Marquel Lee (ankle), RB Jamize Olawale (concussion)

Questionable: CB David Amerson (shoulder), LB Cory James (knee), RB DeAndre Washington (hamstring)

Questionable: T Joe Barksdale (foot), LB Jatavis Brown (ankle), RB Branden Oliver (hamstring), WR Mike Williams (back)

This story was originally published October 14, 2017 at 3:50 PM with the headline "Raiders should get boost from return of quarterback Derek Carr."