In our latest episode, we look at a few scenarios that the Las Vegas Raiders might face if some players go down with an injury.
Flooded with Raiders news
Our episode starts off with a great deal of news that has swept Raider Nation over the past two weeks. Last week, Raiders president Marc Badain unexpectedly announced his resignation. While this is unusual in itself, it was preceded by the retirement of running backs coach Kirby Wilson. Even at the best of times, such partings can indicate instability in an organization, but for it to be right before training camp certainly raised some eyebrows.
In a throwback to times of greater stability, the announcement has been made on who will present Tom Flores for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The only appropriate lifelong Raider that is deserving of this honor is Carole Davis. She will be there ushering him into the hallowed halls of Canton.
A COVID-19 update
The NFL has also made some determinations about possible Covid implications on the upcoming season. If a team is unable to play a game due to positive unvaccinated players, that team will forfeit the game if it cannot be made up in the schedule. Should that happen, both teams will forfeit their game checks. The NFL is doing its best to encourage vaccination compliance among the players.
The Silver and Black wrapped up the signings of their 2021 draft class last week. Safety/linebacker Divine Deablo and defensive end Malcolm Koonce were each signed to 4-year deals worth up to $5 million apiece.
Finally, to end our news segment, we mourn the loss of former Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp who was killed after a bicycle accident near his home. He was only 58 years old. Once a Raider, Always a Raider.
‘Next Man Up’ For The Raiders?
Following the news, we jump into our look at “Next Man Up” – a look at how the Raiders could react should they lose players to injury. The first position we look at are linebackers, and specifically calling upon Deablo and Darron Lee in a time of need. Next, we examine quarterback Derek Carr’s backup and potential partner in crime with run-pass options, Marcus Mariota.
The final position group we look at is the new offensive line. The line is so new, that we don’t even know who the starters are yet. One thing is for sure, there is a lot of depth and they might have to play with a ‘next man up’ mentality more than any other position group.
Final wrap up
To wrap up the episode, we discuss T3’s Weekly Top Three and take our weekly Raiders history quiz. Homer and Heidi get the answer right but by completely different reasoning methods. Finally, we learn about a football camp led by another repeat Heidi’s Hero.
*Join Heidi Stabbert, Raider Homer, and T3RaiderFax on their Las Vegas Raiders show The Only Nation Podcast. Available on podcast platforms everywhere.
*Top Photo: Associated Press/Jeff Bottari
