Five things the Oakland Raiders must address after the bye
By Austin Gayle
September 13, 2015; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders strong safety Keenan Lambert (32) is tackled by Oakland Raiders defensive back Nate Allen (20) during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
Get Healthy
Though getting healthy is an obvious thing every NFL team should focus on over their bye week, there are some solid role-players set to return from injury for Oakland with the added rest.
Running back Taiwan Jones is returning from a foot injury he suffered against Cleveland in Week 3, which should allow Oakland to have some more depth in the backfield. Though the increased snap count for Roy Helu Jr. has worked nicely for Oakland, Jones is a bit quicker of a back that can make plays in the open field on outside runs and short passes.
Defensively, Oakland is expecting the return of both Benson Mayowa (knee) and Justin Ellis (ankle). Mayowa should bring added depth to a defensive end position that has lost veteran Justin Tuck for the season with a torn pectoral, while Ellis should allow Oakland to feel more comfortable in 4-3 sets with him and Dan Williams holding down the interior. Ellis will also share time with Williams at the nose tackle spot when Oakland runs plays out of a 3-4.
Denico Autry could also be another player on to come back from injury along that defensive line, but he is still recovering from a concussion.
As for some starters that have been banged up over recent weeks, defensive backs T.J. Carrie (chest) and Charles Woodson (shoulder) have both been nursing injuries in recent weeks. While the two have yet to miss a start, it still is important for them to earn rest over the bye in order to return fully healthy.
Latavius Murray has also been battling a shoulder injury that may have had an effect on his play over the last two weeks.
“It’s very frustrating,” Murray said, via Scott Bair of CSNBayArea.com. “Anytime you can’t do things you’re normally capable of doing, it’s tough. I have some time to take care of my body, and I’m looking forward to it.”
Next: Improve the Run Game