The Las Vegas Raiders are heading to SoFi Stadium this week to take on a disappointing Los Angeles Rams team. Amid their winning streak, it appears that the offense is clicking on all cylinders with this newfound identity. But head coach Josh McDaniels shared some interesting news about two of the offense’s missing stars.
Normally, getting key players back is great news. On the other hand, you have the Raiders and their current predicament. In an update provided by Raiders beat writer Tashan Reed of The Athletic, McDaniels discussed the returns of Hunter Renfrow and Darren Waller.
Josh McDaniels said the #Raiders will meet this morning to discuss the status of TE Darren Waller and WR Hunter Renfrow, who are both eligible to come back from injured reserve this week. He sounded concerned about the idea of playing them without the opportunity to practice.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) December 5, 2022
Breaking Raiders News: Should the Raiders take it easy with Waller and Renfrow’s returns?
Reed pointed out that when it comes to Thursday Night Football games, teams normally only have walkthroughs prior to those games on short rest. That takes the place of normal practices in these circumstances. Considering that both Waller and Renfrow have missed significant time this season, plugging them this quickly doesn’t make sense. Of course, we’re assuming they’re good to go as well. There’s no doubt that Derek Carr and the Raiders’ offense need all the help they can get. However, you could also make the argument that you might hurt your team by plugging them in without adequate preparation.
As our own Dalton Blackman mentioned via Twitter, with a lack of film and such a shortened period to get ready for the Rams, a full-on comeback should be postponed. At the same time, a package or a play here and there wouldn’t hurt just to get them into a groove again. Let’s not mince words here; the offense has been doing just fine without them. That’s thanks to Carr, Josh Jacobs, and, of course, Davante Adams. With so much on the line and a short week to get ready, don’t rush anything; just keep doing what’s gotten you here if you’re McDaniels.
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images