Latest News: Raiders’ Injury Update

Key Players Injured

The Las Vegas Raiders face a challenging game Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, with two of their top players ruled out due to injuries. Davante Adams, a three-time first-team All-Pro receiver, and Maxx Crosby, a three-time Pro Bowl edge rusher, will be inactive for the game, as confirmed by Raiders coach Antonio Pierce on Friday. No specific return dates were given for the players. Adams suffered a hamstring injury in practice Thursday, while Crosby has been nursing a left high ankle sprain since the Raiders’ Week 2 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

Other Injuries

Further setbacks for the Raiders include injuries to three more starters – linebacker Divine Deablo (oblique), right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. (knee/ankle), and tight end Michael Mayer (personal reason). Pierce emphasized that other players, including tight ends Harrison Bryant and Brock Bowers and receiver Jakobi Meyers, must seize the opportunities that arise from these absences.

Looking Forward

“No one needs to become Davante Adams,” Pierce stated. “We don’t need a second Davante. There’s only one, right? We just need Jakobi Myers at his best.” The coach expressed optimism for the upcoming game, noting that the team has been preparing diligently. Adams currently has 18 catches for 209 yards and a touchdown in three games. The last game he missed was in 2021, while playing for the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, this will be the first game that Crosby, now in his sixth NFL season, misses in his career.

Challenges Faced by a Key Player and Changes in the Raiders’ Defensive Lineup

Player’s Struggles Against Carolina

The player had a challenging game against Carolina last week, where for the first time since the second week of the 2023 season, he didn’t register a QB hit and a tackle for a loss in the same match. “My focus is solely on the present. I’m the first to arrive and the last to leave, doing everything within my power to get back in shape. That’s my main concern at the moment,” he admitted.

Dealing with Injury and Performance

“It’s hard when you’re unable to perform certain actions you’re used to,” he added. “Despite the difficulties, I put in all my effort to contribute, and I believe I managed to achieve some positive results. It’s a struggle, especially with a Timberland boot-sized bandage wrapped around my leg, but I refrain from complaining. As I said, my aim is to recover, and I’m taking it one step at a time.”

Loss of Malcolm Koonce and Preparations for Upcoming Matches

In a disappointing turn of events, the Raiders lost their other starting defensive end, Malcolm Koonce, to a knee injury that put an end to his season. The incident occurred during a practice session just two days before the kick-off of the season. As a result, Tyree Wilson, who was the first-round draft pick at No. 7 overall last season, is anticipated to step up, alongside Janarius Robinson, K’Lavon Chaisson, and Charles Snowden.

Advice to Wilson

Pierce had some words of advice for Wilson. “Don’t try to fill Maxx Crosby’s shoes. There’s no need for heroic acts or to don a cape. Don’t aim to be No. 98, be No. 9. Or No. 97. Or No. 44. Or No. 49. Simply give it your all. Don’t aim to be the game’s savior, just be a team player, a D-end. Your role is to set the edge. If you’re required to drop, just drop. If you’re supposed to go inside on the stunt, just follow that path. Do your job. And I believe if we consistently apply this approach across the team, we’ll achieve the results we’re aiming for.”