The Las Vegas Raiders are getting healthy in time for their season-defining showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on Christmas Day.
Much ado has been made about the health of Maxx Crosby—should the team shut him down? However, that walk has been squashed; nothing’s keeping No. 98 from seeing the field unless he literally can’t move. With that being said, the Raiders recently made history by dropping 63 points on the Los Angeles Chargers. They did that despite missing some key contributors.
Luckily for the Silver and Black, the team’s getting healthy at the right time. With the playoffs on the line, it couldn’t have happened at a better time.
Raiders Notes: Josh Jacobs, Kolton Miller, and more are on their way…
Despite not having the best of years this season, Josh Jacobs saw a resurgence in November. Jacobs rushed for 110+ yards on the ground twice and fell just two yards short of reaching the century mark against the New York Giants as well. In a game where inclement weather might play a part, getting No. 8 going will be a priority. Despite his limited participation in Friday’s practice, he will be ready to go unless something dramatic happens.
Josh Jacobs (quad) and Dylan Parham (illness) were both upgraded to limited participation at Friday’s practice. Kolton Miller (shoulder) also limited and Maxx Crosby (knee) DNP but all are expected to play Monday.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) December 22, 2023
The other aspect of the team’s health lies with the offensive line. The Raiders’ cornerstone at left tackle, Kolton Miller, was also limited. Getting him back in the lineup will be of the utmost importance. Yes, the offense had a historical outing against Los Angeles, but they aren’t the Chiefs or Steve Spagnuolo’s defensive unit.
Say what you will about the Raiders’ offense; they didn’t see much success in their last meeting once Spagnuolo figured them out. Still, you can also make the argument that interim coach Antonio Pierce might’ve sealed the team’s fate when they shifted away from their aggressive approach last time against the Chiefs.
On the other hand, persistence in aggression will be necessary, as the Raiders’ most recent victory demonstrated. “Step on their throat and keep it there,” so to speak.
*Top Photo: Bobby Ellis/Getty Images
Maxx Crosby Shares Antonio Pierce’s Halftime Plan In Raiders’ Epic 63-Point Game