The game of football has always been about the next man up. Injuries are unfortunately an inherent part of the sport and there’s a random element to them. One season, one team can go relatively unscratched just to sustain critical injuries the following one. This year, the injury bug has hit the Las Vegas Raiders hard.Â
Things started in training camp
Wide receiver Tyrell Williams battled with plantar fasciitis pretty much all the 2019 season. Heading into 2020, he was healthier and ready to contribute. However, he sustained a torn labrum in training camp and is now out for the year. That was the first major lesion the Raiders had this season, but it was one they could overcome. After all, the Raiders drafted Henry Ruggs III and Bryan Edwards and they had enough talent to make up for Williams’ absence.
That was the plan until Ruggs and Edwards suffered injuries themselves. Ruggs suffered a knee injury in the season opener and although we didn’t have enough details at the moment, we know now it was serious enough for him to not be limited in Week 2. Furthermore, he missed the game against the Patriots. On the other hand, Edwards suffered an ankle injury last Sunday after making a 34-yard catch.
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The Raiders are witnessing injuries at many positions
Without Edwards and Ruggs, the Raiders wide receiver corps are not at full strength. Nevertheless, they aren’t their only unit that’s hurting. Their offensive line is without two of their starters. Trent Brown has been dealing with a calf injury and played just three snaps in the season opener. They also placed guard Richie Incognito on the Injury Reserve list after leaving their Week 2 game with an Achilles injury. To make matters worse, backup tackle Sam Young is nursing a groin injury.
Last but not least, linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski has missed the Raiders’ last two games with a pectoral injury. He could be back for their Week 4 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, but it’s not definite. Things have gotten bad to the point where head coach Jon Gruden is wondering ‘what the hell is going on‘.
Some of the injuries the Raiders are going through are more severe than others, but they should eventually get some players back. In the meantime, keep in mind good teams overcome them. We will know how they adjust on Sunday against a Buffalo Bills team that is 3-0.
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