Coach Tony Sparano and quarterback Derek Carr know all about the Raiders-49ers rivalry, even though they have yet to take part in one of the games.

On Sunday, they get their first chance to experience the rivalry as members of the Raiders, when the teams meet for the first time since 2010 at the Coliseum.

“Growing up where I did, either you’re a Raider fan or a Niner fan,” Carr said. “I hope to think that Bakersfield and Fresno are turning more silver and black than anything.

“It’s definitely something that’s important to the fans. I know that. It’s very important to them. They always get amped up for it every time these two teams kick it off.”

The game happens only once every four years as a result of the Raiders and 49ers playing in different conferences. Sparano joined the Raiders last season, Carr arrived via the NFL draft in May.

Yet, both are veterans of rivalries from their past, so they feel as if they have a pretty firm grasp of what this game is going to be like.

“I am well aware of the importance of the football game,” Sparano said. “I’ve been a part of Jets-Giants, I’ve been a part of the Cowboys-Washington. … I understand the magnitude of this. I understand how big a game it is for our organization, for our team and for our fans. I do. I really do.”

Carr said that he has heard from fans who have told him that the 1-11 Raiders can salvage their season if they beat the 7-5 49ers.

“You just take it for what it is,” Carr said. “Obviously, we go out there and we want to win every game we play, I promise. We do. We’re working our tails off. I know I am, going out here working as hard as I can to bring wins to see people smile.”

Carr experienced the same emotions when his Fresno State team played Boise State each year. For a long time, Boise State had Fresno State’s number. Carr ultimately got a taste of what it was like to beat Boise State in his final collegiate season.

He said he is hopeful of the Raiders rising up and beating a 49ers team that has advanced at least as far as the NFC Championship Game each of the past three seasons.

“If we can go out there and win this one, it would be a fun one to see our fans go crazy,” Carr said.

Sparano is hesitant to place too much emphasis on this game. Yet, he concedes that there is a bit more at stake Sunday.

“Any win in our league is a great win,” Sparano said. “Would it mean more? Sure. It’s a big win. They’re a good football team. So to beat a good football team, that would be really special.”

— Cornerbacks Tarell Brown (foot) and Neiko Thorpe (hand) were limited in practice Wednesday, as well. Right offensive tackle Menelik Watson did not practice, as mentioned in a previous post. However, he is listed on the injury report as having ankle and foot injuries. That’s bit more extensive than originally announced. Safety Jonathan Dowling (back) also did not practice.

— Sparano confirmed that Scott Simonson is a candidate to replace Brian Leonhardt if Leonhardt isn’t able to recover from his second concussion in two games. However, that is but one of several options at the Raiders disposal.

One is using fullback Marcel Reece in that capacity, as the Raiders did for some of the game against the Rams. Or, the Raiders can just use an extra offensive lineman.

— Sparano said there’s no way to adequately prepare for facing 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick.

“You can’t duplicate it in practice,” Sparano said. “It’s tough to prepare for the unpredictability factor … the speed.”

This is one of those times when the Raiders miss having quarterback Terrelle Pryor on the roster, given Pryor’s similar skillset. He could have played the role of Kaepernick in practice on the scout team.