The Las Vegas Raiders are limping into Week 14, both literally and figuratively. After dropping six straight and sitting at 2-10, the Silver and Black are staring down the barrel of one of the toughest stretches on their schedule.
And up next? A divisional clash with the Denver Broncos - a team they managed to hang with earlier this season in a gritty Thursday night contest.
But this time around, the stakes feel heavier, and the margin for error is razor-thin.
Injuries haven’t devastated the Raiders the way they have other teams this year, but that doesn’t mean they’re walking into Sunday at full strength. Friday’s final injury report, along with head coach Pete Carroll’s comments, painted a clearer picture of who’s likely to suit up - and who’s not - for this AFC West showdown.
Geno Smith, Will Putnam Set to Go
Let’s start with the good news. Quarterback Geno Smith and interior offensive lineman Will Putnam were both on the injury report earlier in the week, but they’ll head into Sunday’s game without a designation.
That’s big. Smith’s availability keeps the offense from having to pivot midweek, and having Putnam on the interior is key to holding the pocket together against a Denver front that can bring heat.
Question Marks in the Trenches and Secondary
Guard Dylan Parham is listed as questionable, but the trajectory of his practice participation is encouraging. He went from sitting out Wednesday to being limited Thursday and then practicing fully on Friday. That kind of progression usually points to a player trending toward playing, though nothing’s guaranteed.
The secondary, however, is in a bit more flux. Safeties Jamal Adams and Jeremy Chinn both saw their practice statuses downgraded during the week - a red flag. They’re officially questionable, and their availability could have a major impact against a Denver offense that’s found some rhythm in recent weeks.
Jordan Meredith, who missed last week with an ankle injury, returned to full participation on Friday and is also listed as questionable. Carroll noted that Meredith looked good during the week but stopped short of confirming whether he’ll be back in the lineup - or where he’d slot in if he is.
Maxx Crosby: Questionable, But Expected to Play
Then there’s Maxx Crosby - the heart and soul of this Raiders defense. Crosby’s practice status dipped from limited to non-participant on both Thursday and Friday, which naturally raised eyebrows. But Carroll didn’t mince words when asked about Crosby’s availability.
“Maxx is gonna play. I can’t believe him not playing,” Carroll said.
“We really wanted to maximize the rest opportunity here. He’s planning on playing.
It still has to go down this way.”
That said, Carroll has been known to play things close to the vest when it comes to injuries, and fans remember all too well Crosby suiting up earlier this year despite carrying a “doubtful” tag. So while the official designation is “questionable,” don’t be surprised if No. 98 is out there doing what he does - wrecking game plans.
Key Offensive Weapons Still Sidelined
Unfortunately for Las Vegas, the offense will be without a few key pieces. Tight end Michael Mayer is out for the second straight week after suffering an ankle injury back in Week 12. That’s a tough blow for a team that’s struggled to find consistency in the passing game.
Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. will also miss the game after sustaining a concussion against the Chargers, and Alex Bachman has been ruled out with a thumb injury. That leaves the Raiders thin at skill positions, putting even more pressure on Smith and the offensive line to keep things afloat.
Looking Ahead
The Raiders aren’t mathematically eliminated yet, but at 2-10, the focus is shifting toward development, evaluation, and pride. Sunday’s matchup with Denver isn’t just about breaking the losing streak - it’s about showing fight, resilience, and maybe giving Raider Nation a reason to believe that brighter days are ahead.
If Crosby plays - and all signs suggest he will - expect him to set the tone. And if the offensive line can hold up with Putnam and potentially Parham back in the mix, maybe, just maybe, the Raiders can make this one competitive again.
But with injuries stacking up and the season slipping away, the margin for error is gone. It’s time for the Raiders to dig deep.