Jon Gruden had a plan this offseason to incorporate a secret package for Marcus Mariota. A package that would allow the Raiders to have Mariota run the run-pass option or the read-option, and his plans came to fruition on Monday Night Football.
Unfortunately for the Silver and Black, that lasted all but one play as Mariota has reaggravated his quad and is now out for multiple weeks, according to Ian Rapoport.
Mariota’s injury was suffered on a third-down read-option, which gained 31 yards against the Ravens. The Raiders could face a fine for not reporting on Mariota’s injury during the game, something required by the league.
Not having Marcus Mariota will eliminate Gruden’s special package that offensive coordinator Greg Olson drew up for Mariota.
“We lost a big piece of our offense,” Gruden said during a Tuesday news conference when he revealed the injury.
Although Nathan Peterman is a mobile quarterback himself, they will not run him in any option plays. Instead, the Raiders will now roll with a more traditional look at their quarterback spot with Derek Carr leading the Silver and Black and Nathan Peterman backing him up.
Peterman signed with the Raiders in 2018 and has been groomed by Gruden ever since. Peterman has shown improvement in each of his seasons with the Raiders. It’s unclear if the Raiders will bring in another QB, but Case Cookus could be an option if Mariota ends up missing extended time as he was with the Raiders for a few weeks during camp.
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