Raiders’ Super Bowl hopes dim as quarterback Carr breaks leg

(The Sports Xchange) – The Oakland Raiders held on for a 33-25 victory over the Indianapolis Colts on Saturday at Oakland Coliseum, but the win came at a huge cost.

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr, who threw three touchdown passes, left the game in the fourth quarter after breaking his right fibula on a sack by Colts linebacker Trent Cole.

Carr was carted to the locker room as backup Matt McGloin took over with the Raiders leading 33-14.

His injury occurred only hours after another quarterback, Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans, also incurred a fractured fibula.

According to Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, Carr will have surgery, likely Sunday. He almost certainly will miss the postseason.

“It was a good win but a tough setback to have our quarterback go down like that,” a somber Del Rio said.

“Unfortunate. It’s obviously is a blow. Teams have to find a way to pick up and move on. We’ll rally around the next guy as best we can.

“Everybody heals differently. We’ll see exactly what needs to be done when they get in there and do it … I think he’s going to be down a little while.”

The Raiders (12-3), who clinched a playoff spot last week for the first time since 2002, moved 1 1/2 games ahead of the Kansas City Chiefs (10-4) in the AFC West.

The first-place Raiders can win the West and secure a first-round playoff bye on Sunday if the Chiefs lose to the Denver Broncos or that game ends in a tie.

The Colts (7-8) were eliminated from playoff contention and will miss the postseason for the second straight season.

“You work hard all year for opportunities like this, to be able to get to the dance and see what happens after that,” Colts running back Robert Turbin said. “But to not be in it this year is definitely disappointing, and it hurts. But that’s the league. That’s life. It’s hard.”

Carr, an MVP contender, completed 20 of 30 passes for 228 yards. He has thrown for 3,933 yards and 28 touchdowns with six interceptions. McGloin completed 2 of 3 passes for 29 yards, including a 19-yard throw to wide receiver Amari Cooper to ice the victory.

“It’s a difficult situation because first and foremost he’s a very good friend of mine,” McGloin said.

“It’s tough to see him go down and him get hurt in a situation like that. He’s been having such an incredible season for himself, and to see him go down like that was tough. But at the same time I did my best to try to stay calm, stay focused and do my job out there.”

Colts quarterback Andrew Luck completed 19 of 29 passes for 288 yards and two touchdowns with two interceptions. Frank Gore rushed for 73 yards on 13 carries, and T.Y. Hilton caught four passes for 105 yards.

“Obviously, we’re all very disappointed,” Colts coach Chuck Pagano said. “We had numerous opportunities and numerous chances. It’s hard. Football’s hard.”

(Editing by Andrew Both)