Breaking down the Oakland Raiders’ overall showing vs Dallas Cowboys

Aug 12, 2014; Oxnard, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders tight end Nick Kasa (88) is taken off the field on a cart with an injury at scrimmage against the Dallas Cowboys at River Ridge Fields. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Injuries

Football is a rough game and at it’s roughest in the NFL  so we know there are going to be some injuries involved. Tight end Nick Kasa was lost for the season with an ACL in the first practice with the Cowboys, thinning the Raiders out at the position. And Chimdi Checkwa, who’s been looking like the best corner on the team lately, didn’t last in the joint practices because of a knee injury he suffered.

But, it’s encouraging that tight end David Ausberry has been seen walking without crutches or a brace after having a procedure done on his knee. Speaking of encouraging, 2013 1st-round pick D.J. Hayden has been seen working out on the side with trainers since having surgery to repair a stress fracture in his foot. It’s also good to know that Streater is back to full speed after suffering a concussion a couple of weeks ago.

Schaub needs his pass-catching tight end as every great passing game in the NFL has one to work the middle of the field. The Raiders also need their corners as the pass rush is good but you have to be able to cover as well to defend the pass. So eyes will be on Ausberry, Checkwa and Hayden because their health means a lot toward the Raiders getting this thing turned around this year.