It was great to see the Las Vegas Raiders come out of Arrowhead Stadium with their first win since 2012. Quarterback Derek Carr had one of his best games ever and the defense was able to stop the Chiefs offense. However, not everything was good news as defensive end Carl Nassib suffered a toe fracture.
The Raiders beat the Chiefs in Week 5 but lost Carl Nassib to injuries
Although the Raiders defense had a mediocre first half against the Chiefs offense, they tightened up in the second half. More specifically, they forced the Chiefs to punt in three consecutive drives. Later, safety Jeff Heath intercepted a pass that he would return for 47 yards and all the way up to Kansas City’s two-yard line.
The Raiders defense also recorded three sacks and defensive end Clelin Ferell had nine pressures. All in all, the unit had one of their best performances in 2020 even though they gave up 32 points. However, not everything was smooth, as Nassib broke a toe and didn’t return.
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The front four can do without Carl Nassib
Besides confirming the toe fracture, Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reported that Nassib will be out for an indefinite period of time. Although injuries are nothing to scoff at, the Raiders are in good enough shape that they can perform well without the veteran defensive end.
Against the Chiefs, Nassib only saw the field for five defensive snaps. Up until Week 5, he hadn’t played a meaningful role in the defensive line rotation either. He has only played in 26.14 percent of the team’s snaps on defense in 2020. By contrast, defensive end Arden Key has taken the field in 44.99 percent of the team’s defensive snaps and Kendal Vickers has almost had the same amount of playing time as Nassib too.
Nassib could be back sooner than later and the team won’t play in Week 6, so he will have time to heal. At this point, it wouldn’t be far-fetched to see him suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but if he needs to miss some games, the Raiders have enough players in their defensive line to make up for his absence.
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Top Photo: L.E. Baskow/Las Vegas Review-Journal