Sitting at 5-2 atop the AFC West, the Las Vegas Raiders do not have much to be worried about as they head into the bye week. However, the injury bug is inescapable.Â
Some Key Starters Could Return
One of the players expected to be a fixture for the Raiders this season was guard Richie Incognito. However, due to a calf injury, the 38-year-old vet hasn’t suited up this season. In addition, he only played in two games in 2020. He was placed on IR on September 25th. Alas, when healthy, he is still a difference-maker and represents an upgrade over John Simpson at left guard. Incognito will be most valuable in the run game for Las Vegas. For a team averaging 85.4 rushing yards per game, the Raiders could use his physical play style.
Cornerbacks Trayvon Mullen and Damon Arnette could both return from IR as well. In their absence, newcomer Brandon Facyson has performed admirably by securing an interception in his first game, and he also had three passes defensed against the Eagles. With the return of Mullen imminent, however, Facyson will likely be relegated to a depth role. That is the same role that former first-rounder Damon Arnette will be fulfilling in his return. As the saying goes, you can never have too many good players; that rings true at cornerback.
Get Healthy
At the end of the game Sunday, the Raiders were even more banged up on offense. Entering the game, star tight end Darren Waller was ruled out with a lower leg injury. During the game, running back Josh Jacobs suffered a chest injury. Needless to say, these two are major factors in the Raiders offense, and they will need them going forward. That is where the bye week comes in handy. With a week off to rest and heal up, the hope is that both Waller and Jacobs can return at full strength for the next game.
Going into the bye week, the Raiders are an AFC-best 5-2. Even better, the roster looks as if it may improve coming out of the bye. Not bad for a team many weren’t taking seriously at the start of the season. All things considered, the Raiders are poised to go on a run.Â
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*Top Photo: Michael Clemens/Las Vegas Raiders