Will Starters See Time In Raiders’ Preseason Finale? Carr Says ‘It Doesn’t Matter’

The Las Vegas Raiders face off against the New England Patriots Friday for their preseason finale.

Through three games, Derek Carr, Davante Adams, and other major players for the Raiders have not played a single preseason minute. Are things expected to change Friday? Carr doesn’t know.

“He [coach Josh McDaniels] hasn’t said anything to me,” Carr said. “He hadn’t said anything to me about any of them leading up to this. We just prepare as if we’re going in, and then last second is, ‘Alright, you’re not playing.’ That’s just how it’s been.”

Carr told reporters after practice Tuesday he’s not worried if he doesn’t play in the preseason.

“I’ve had seasons where I didn’t play the preseason. I’ve had seasons where I’ve had a drive. I’ve had seasons where I played in the fourth preseason game for a whole half,” Carr said. “For me, it doesn’t matter. I feel like if I work at practice the way that I’m supposed to I’ll be ready for week one.”

If he doesn’t play in the preseason finale, he’s at least getting reps against a different defense this week. Leading up to the game, the Patriots and Raiders are holding joint practices. Carr believes players can even get a lot more accomplished in joint practices instead of playing a handful of snaps in a preseason game, too.

“In joint practices, people show more stuff,” Carr said. “It’s not as vanilla for everyone to see. I think that’s something I’ve always loved about it.”

“For us to go out there and work against them…it’s a good experience.”

Patriots players talk first joint practice against the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/44J7OzxbzZ

— New England Patriots (@Patriots) August 24, 2022

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