Derek Carr injury history: Complete Timeline & Recoveries

Throughout his NFL career, Derek Carr has been an available quarterback. Starting his career in Oakland with the Raiders, he played 16 games in a season five times (when the league had 16-game seasons), 17 games in a season twice, and three seasons with 15 games. However, in the three seasons he played 15 games, only one of those games were missed because of injury.

When game day rolls around, it’s safe to expect Derek Carr under center. However, this availability shouldn’t be mistaken for good health, or an injury-free career. He has faced his fair share of injuries throughout his career, both significant and minor, but as New Orleans Saints fans learned in 2023, Carr battles through injuries to be available for games.

Early Career and Initial Injuries

After being drafted by the Raiders in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Carr immediately won the starting quarterback job. Throughout his first couple of years in the league, Carr didn’t deal with too many injuries.

In his second preseason game, he sustained a concussion and a bruised rib, which led to him missing the third preseason game of his rookie year, which was a week later. However, he was back in time for the final preseason game, which was two weeks after the initial injury.

He also had a Grade 2 MCL sprain in his knee and high ankle sprain, both sustained during Week 4 of his rookie season. However, thanks to a Week 5 bye, Carr didn’t miss any time.

Major Injuries and Recovery Phases

Fibula fracture (2016)

The most significant injury of Carr’s career came in arguably his best season as a pro. After leading the Raiders to a 12-3 record through 15 games of the 2016 season, Carr fractured his fibula in Week 16. This forced him to miss the regular-season finale and the Raiders’ playoff game.

Back fracture (2017)

Fortunately, Carr was back in time for the start of the 2017 season. However, he did miss a game that season after suffering a fracture in his back. He sustained the injury in Week 4 and was back on the field in Week 6.

Recurring Issues and Long-Term Impact

Carr has impressively played through several injuries to his throwing arm. He’s had finger fractures and sprains to his throwing hand in 2015 and 2016, but played through them. Additionally, in 2023, during his first season with the Saints, Carr sustained an A/C Joint sprain in Week 3, and aggravated the shoulder area again in Weeks 10 and 13. Still, Carr started every game.

Additionally, after sustaining a concussion in his second preseason game, Carr didn’t have another concussion until the 2023 season. Unfortunately, he sustained two, one in Week 10 and one in Week 13.

Both of these recurring injuries are important because concussions and injuries to a quarterback’s throwing shoulder can shorten careers.

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