LONDON – The Raiders receiver corps is a mess. They’ll play Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears without three of them, including the position group’s best.
Tyrell Williams was rendered inactive on Sunday due to a foot injury that kept him out of practice all week. The team was optimistic he would be able to play despite the lack of practice participation, but they deemed him unable to play before this crucial clash at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Dwayne Harris and J.J. Nelson are also inactive, leaving the Raiders receiver corps woefully thin. They only have Keelan Doss, Hunter Renfrow, Trevor Davis and practice squad promotion Marcell Ateman up to play this game.
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That group won’t scare many, but must be functional and precise running routes against an excellent Bears defense. Ateman is comfortable playing Williams’ X receiver position, as well as Doss. Davis should be the Z, with Renfrow in the slot.
This group is a far cry from the preseason lineup, which featured Williams and Antonio Brown. This puts heavy responsibility on tight ends and running backs to function well in the passing game.
The Raiders will also be without a key defensive cog. Defensive end Clelin Ferrell, one of just two three-down linemen, is out while dealing with a concussion. Making up for his snaps will fall to several, especially Maxx Crosby and Maurice Hurst. Ferrell frequently plays end in the base defense and moved inside on passing downs.
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The Raiders did get some good news on the injury front, with Richie Incognito able to play despite being questionable with a back injury.
That’s a plus considering Josh Jacobs and the Raiders run game must fuel the offense on Sunday. A Herculean effort is required from quarterback Derek Carr, who isn’t surrounded by many established weapons against an uber-talented Bears defense.