In what is shaping up to be a highly anticipated divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Las Vegas Raiders are already having some major concerns.
The injury report was posted today, and a new face popped up on the list that could be a major cause for concern on offense: offensive guard Jackson Powers-Johnson.
The second-year lineman did not practice on September 12th after suffering an apparent concussion during Friday’s practice.
Raiders’ Injury Concerns
GettyLas Vegas Raiders’ linebacker Elandon Roberts.
The Raiders are hoping rookie running back Ashton Jeanty will have a bounce-back game after averaging only 2.0 yards per carry last week against the New England Patriots, but now, it’ll be even harder without Powers-Johnson possibly not available.
Jeanty talked about his rough debut, saying, “It’s football, you’re always going to get fired up, but I think, in terms of the game, just making reads I’ve always made, just being better, honestly. I didn’t play my best in the run game, and I’ll be working this week to be better at that and be better for the guys up front.”
The two other major concerns for the Raiders are linebacker Elandon Roberts, who was a limited participant in Friday’s practice, and star tight end Brock Bowers, who did not practice with a knee injury.
Bowers commented on how he feels on Thursday, saying, “I’m not sure. We’ll see how it’s feeling throughout the week, but I’m hoping to play.”
At this point, things aren’t looking good for Bowers’ potential availability on Monday.
With Roberts suffering an elbow injury during the Patriots game, the good news is that linebackers Devin White and Jamal Adams filled in nicely for him. White logged 11 total tackles, one tackle for loss, and under 46% QBR in coverage.
Meanwhile, Adams had three defensive stops, two pressures, and a 90.9 overall Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked second among all qualified linebackers.
Pete Carroll Would Especially Hope the Raiders Win on Monday
There’s still a sliver of hope that any of the three injured starters can play on Monday, especially with what’s at stake.
Head coach Pete Carroll will be going up against what many believe is his archnemesis, Chargers head coach Jim Harbaugh.
Harbaugh commented on going up against Carroll, saying, “He’s [Pete Carroll] a great coach, one of the best. A lot of respect. I always thought that if I had ever played for him or on one of his teams…I bet we would have been really good friends.”
Carroll responded the next day regarding Harbaugh with, “One thing we would certainly see eye to eye on is about competing. He’s always been a great competitor. He’s battled through so much in his playing days and his coaching days, as well. I appreciate him saying that, because I’d like to play with him, too.”
It’ll be a fun but challenging test for this Raiders team against a Chargers squad that handled business against the Kansas City Chiefs last week in Brazil.
The hope is that Bowers, Powers-Johnson, and Roberts can play on Monday, and if not, it’ll be a perfect test for other guys on the team to make their mark.
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