Just Blog Baby
FanSided

Seven Raiders players who may not make it to Las Vegas

By Khaled Abdallah

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: The Oakland Raiders enter the field from the tunnel prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at RingCentral Coliseum on December 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 15: The Oakland Raiders enter the field from the tunnel prior to the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at RingCentral Coliseum on December 15, 2019 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 8
Next
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass under pressure from outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, ARIZONA – AUGUST 15: Quarterback Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals drops back to pass under pressure from outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Oakland Raiders during the first half of the NFL preseason game at State Farm Stadium on August 15, 2019 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

LB Vontaze Burfict

Speaking of linebackers that could not contribute much to a struggling defense, Vontaze Burfict may have been a better fit than Whitehead but he did not have much of a chance to prove it due to his suspension.

The former Bengal was one of the talks of training camp as he reportedly emerged as a leader for the defense and his knowledge of Paul Guenther’s system made him a valuable resource to the young linebackers but it’s hard to lead when you’re not even allowed in the building.

Burfict’s suspension in Week 4 ensured that 2013 would be the last time that he played a full season and 2016 was the last time he played more than 10 games. Given his reputation the NFL may choose to suspend him if he even looks at a defenseless receiver funny but his injury track record is cause for concern as well.

His tenure with the Raiders may have been short and sweet as he played well in the four games he suited up for but he is simply not worth the risk even at the veteran minimum. Much like Whitehead, if the Raiders include him as a key figure in their 2020 plans then the defense is in serious trouble.

Home/Las Vegas Raiders News