Text and photos by R. Mascardo

OAKLAND — The Raiders’ dream is still alive. Even after quarterback Derek Carr’s injury, they beat the Carolina Panthers last Sunday.

Carr sufferd a pinkie injury on his throwing hand, and he missed a series as the Raiders were trying to protect a 17-point lead in the third quarter. Although the Panthers overcame the deficit and took a fourth quarter lead, Carr led a great effort in a 35-32 Raiders win — one of the more thrilling games of the NFL season. And this has become just another chapter in a 9-2 Raiders season.

Carr took a third-quarter snap from Raiders center Rodney Hudson and instantly fumbled in pain. Panthers linebacker Thomas Davis recovered. Carr ran off the field immediately and was replaced by backup Matt McGloin.

Carr returned to the field wearing a glove on his right hand. After a few errant throw, he straightened up and rallied the Raiders, who fell behind 32-24 early in the fourth. Carr led a 10 play, 75 yards drive in just under four minutes and his TD strike to Clive Walford was gorgeous — topped only perhaps by the two-point conversion by Seth Roberts to tie it.

The Raiders took the lead for good after several more big throws from Carr.
NEXT: Raiders play Buffalo next Sunday for their second consecutive home games. December 4, 2016 at 1:05 p.m.