The Las Vegas Raiders could wind up in serious trouble.
On Monday night, the Raiders face the Atlanta Falcons in what is a huge matchup for both teams. For the Raiders, they want to get back in the win column for the first time in two months. On the Falcons’ side, they are trying to break their own four-game losing streak and keep their playoff ambitions alive.
If the Raiders’ Thursday practice is any indication, their road to victory could become more difficult.
Quarterback Aidan O’Connell, defensive end Maxx Crosby and defensive tackle Adam Butler were among the players who appeared on the Raiders’ first injury report of the week. All three did not participate in Thursday’s practice.
O’Connell did not finish Sunday’s game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after taking a knee injury in the third quarter. While the Raiders initially feared that the injury would be season-ending, further tests revealed that O’Connell only suffered a bone bruise and could return as early as Monday.
“Yeah, I’m hoping to get there,” O’Connell said on Wednesday. “Obviously, we’ve got a longer week this week, which helps, and so just really taking it day by day. Obviously, not something I’ve been through with this particular injury. So, trying to get there.”
If O’Connell is not available, backup and former Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder would get the nod against his former team.
Crosby was held out of practice due to an ankle injury. For the star pass rusher, the injury is significant due to him having to miss the first game of his career in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns due to his ankle. That said, Crosby has not only played every other game this season, but continues to be effective, leading the NFL for the second consecutive year with 17 tackles for loss. Not having Crosby available would put significant pressure on the likes of K’Lavon Chaisson and Tyree Wilson to step up.
Out of the three, Butler is most likely to be downgraded to out against Atlanta due to a reported concussion. It would be a blow to the Raiders’ defensive line, as Butler has been a stable presence since the team lost prized free agent signing Christian Wilkins earlier in the year. Butler being out would mean giving undrafted free agent Jonah Laulu a larger role against the Falcons.
Cornerback Sam Webb also did not participate in Thursday’s practice. Slot cornerback Nate Hobbs and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers were listed as limited participants, while running back Alexander Mattison was a full participant.
The long week means that the Raiders at least have a little more time to get everyone healthy and ready to play. If the injury report is anything to go by, it could not have come at a better time.
