Star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby and guard Dylan Parham to practice Friday
The Las Vegas Raiders are dealing with many injuries this week as they prepare for Sunday’s game at the Denver Broncos and they will determine the availability of key players in the next 48 hours.
Las Vegas head coach Antonio Pierce said Friday that starting running back Zamir White is likely gong to be doubtful to play and then he was ruled out later Friday. White injured his groin in practice Wednesday.
That means veteran Alexander Mattison is in line to start. Mattison, a free-agent pickup, has looked good as he led the team with 60 yards on five rushing in a Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns in which the Raiders’ ground game came alive. Pierce said earlier this week Mattison earned more playing time and he will get that this week with White hobbled.
Meanwhile, Pierce said rookie Tommy Eichenberg will start for the first time. Both starter Deablo and his backup Luke Masterson are out injured. Eichenberg, a fifth-round pick, has been playing some on defense in recent weeks. He has played a total of 16 defensive snaps the past two weeks. That total will increase greatly this week. Deablo was listed as questionable Friday afternoon.
In addition to White and Masterson, five other Raiders have been ruled out.
#Raiders DE Maxx Crosby has a chance to make his return against the Broncos after sitting out in Week 4.
Deablo, Mauga, Parham and McAllister are also questionable. Munford, Richardson, Mayer, Adams, Taylor, White and Masterson are OUT. pic.twitter.com/onsDC5E58y
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) October 4, 2024
They are receiver Davante Adams (hamstring), tackle Thayer Munford (knee/ankle), Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) and tight end Michael Mayer (personal). Rookie safety Trey Taylor, coming back from the injured reserve, is also out.
This is Adams’ second missed game and it is for Munford as well. Rookie DJ Glaze will play for Glaze.
The Adams trade saga is dominating the headlines. Friday, Pierce brushed off talks of the saga, saying he is focused on the Broncos. It’s highly unlikely Adams plays Sunday.
Star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby practiced on a limited basis Friday with hopes of playing Sunday. He missed the first two days of practice this week and he missed the first game of his career last week with a high-ankle sprain. He is listed as questionable to play Sunday.
Guard Dylan Parham (achilles) is also practicing Friday with a hope of playing at Denver.