What was supposed to be a glorious return to the postseason after 14 years away has now become quite gloomy for the Raiders.

On Saturday, starting quarterback and MVP candidate Derek Carr broke his fibula, keeping him out for at least six weeks, and possibly more. As a result, a team once on the short list of Super Bowl favorites is now being pegged as a one & done in the playoffs.

The talent around Carr on the roster is still superior and quite vast, but losing their best and most important player will likely be detrimental for Oakland.

But, what if they find a way to make the Super Bowl? With Tom Savage and Matt Moore also quarterbacking playoff teams, is there a chance the Raiders can get a few breaks and sneak their way through the AFC to the big game? And if they do, could Carr possibly play?

The first step was a successful surgery, which Carr confirmed:

Super Bowl LI in Houston is six weeks away, matched up perfectly with the earliest date on Carr's return timetable.

(Continue article below)

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According to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the odds aren't great for Carr playing, but there's at least a chance:

Raiders QB Derek Carr, who underwent fibula surgery at LA’s Kerlan-Jobe, is considered an extreme long-shot for the Super Bowl. He will try… surgery went very well and full recovery is expected. With SB, if they make it, 6 weeks away, it doesn’t seem realistic.

It doesn't look great for Raiders fans, but at least there's a glimmer of hope.

One orthopedic surgeon is clearly not ready to count DC out:

Before the injury, Carr was putting up incredible numbers. He completed 63.7 percent of his passes this season while compiling 3,933 yards and 28 touchdowns.