Raiders WR Henry Ruggs Had an Immediate Impact In 1st Game Back From Injury

Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III had missed the Las Vegas Raiders’ previous two games with injuries. Listed as questionable against the Kansas City Chiefs, he took the field with no lingering effects. In his return to the lineup, he showed how different the offense is when he’s on the field. 

The Raiders are a better team with Henry Ruggs in the lineup

The Raiders drafted Ruggs with the intention of giving their offense an element of speed. Right out of the gate, he showed his worth when he caught a 45-yard reception against the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. However, injuries would slow him down, and he ended up missing games against the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills.

Back on the field, Ruggs quickly put whatever questions there were about him to rest when he caught a 46-yard reception. The Alabama standout wouldn’t stop there though. With 2.50 remaining in the second quarter, quarterback Derek Carr threw a pass that Ruggs turned into a 72-yard touchdown.

Related: Raiders Beat Chiefs 40-32 And Exorcise Demons In The Process

Although Ruggs didn’t get another catch in the rest of the game, he had done enough. Carr hardly took shots downfield in previous games. This in turn helped defenses take away the check-downs.  Against the Chiefs, it was a different story, Carr threw deep passes often and Ruggs was one big reason for it, his quarterback trusts him. After the game, he said he knows how big of a factor is speed is and added that opposing defenses need to be aware of it.

The Raiders showed how different their offense is when Ruggs is in it. The rookie wide receiver can stretch the field like few others can. He played a vital role in the team’s 40-32 victory over the Chiefs. Heading into their bye week, the Silver and Black should feel content about themselves knowing they have a good one in Ruggs.

You May Also Like: Raiders Twitter Reacts to Week 5 Victory vs Chiefs