The Oakland Raiders and Detroit Lions both face key matchups this Sunday and both teams are wondering if their starting quarterbacks will be available to play. Matthew Stafford got nicked up in the Lions' loss last week to the Carolina Panthers. Meanwhile, Derek Carr has been dealing with a more serious injury that he suffered two weeks ago when his Raiders lost to the division rival, Denver Broncos.

Carr's injury report

Derek Carr fully participated in Friday's practice session and has been taken off of the Raiders injury report according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

It is now expected that he will start on Sunday against the division rival Los Angeles Chargers in a key game for a Raiders team that has lost three in a row.

Head coach Jack Del Rio said of Carr, “He's cleared to go and got the green light. Doctors and trainers all gave him the go.” Carr suffered what turned out to be a transverse process fracture in his back as he got twisted around on a sack in a week four loss to Denver. His injury was diagnosed as being a two-to-six-week ordeal.

The Raiders lost at home to the Baltimore Ravens last week without Carr 30-17. They desperately needed him back for this week's game, since they cannot afford a loss to drop to 2-4. Oakland also cannot afford to fall further behind the Kansas City Chiefs (5-0) and Denver Broncos (3-1).

Stafford listed as questionable for Sunday

The Detroit Lions have listed quarterback Matthew Stafford as questionable on their injury reporting heading into Sunday's matchup against the New Orleans Saints in the Superdome.

He has been dealing with an ankle injury and a bothersome hamstring but has fully practiced every day this week.

Despite the designation on the team's injury report, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Stafford is expected to play. Another key sign of his availability is that the team did not sign a third quarterback at all this week.

All things considered, Stafford should make his 102nd consecutive start, the fourth-longest active streak among quarterbacks.

A must-win for Detriot

This weekends game is a must-win for Detriot, as they would prefer to be 4-2 instead of 3-3 heading into their bye week. A loss would mean that they have dropped two in a row and three of their last four following a 2-0 start to the season. Losing would also further put them behind the Green Bay Packers (4-1) and Minnesota Vikings (3-2), who play each other this week.
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