Las Vegas Raiders: Layered roster equipped for stronger finish in 2020
After a tough collapse late in the 2019 season, the Las Vegas Raiders added reinforcements to push through potential hardships coming up in 2020.
Regardless of what transpires during the season, just remember, no excuses. The Las Vegas Raiders had none last year, but we saw how easily a team could fall apart without depth across the roster.
Like every other squad in the NFL, the Silver and Black battled tough challenges, mostly in the form of injuries and a suspension. Let’s take a look at some of the notable long-term issues during the 2019 campaign.
- Starting safeties Johnathan Abram (torn labrum) and Karl Joseph (foot) on injured reserve after Weeks 1 and 10, respectively.
- Receiving touchdown leader Tyrell Williams battled plantar fasciitis after Week 4 through the season.
- Starting linebacker Vontaze Burfict suspended indefinitely after Week 4.
- Second-leading touchdown pass-catcher Foster Moreau tears ACL in Week 14.
- Starting running back Josh Jacobs (shoulder) missed three of the last four games.
Again, every team must compensate for injuries or starters in and out of the lineup. General manager Mike Mayock and head coach Jon Gruden have a responsibility to not only field a competitive starting group but add reserves ready to play when a first-stringer goes down. They checked that box this offseason.
The Raiders overhauled the wide receiver and linebacker positions, acquired someone to spell Jacobs, signed two veteran safeties and brought in an all-time tight end, Jason Witten, who’s still effective in the passing game.
We have no idea if any of the additions will pan out into contributors in the upcoming season, but a lack of depth shouldn’t pose a problem in 2020.
An injury at wide receiver won’t set the passing game back. Quarterback Derek Carr has more than enough options to move the ball through the air with rookie first-rounder Henry Ruggs III, rookie third-rounder Bryan Edwards and Nelson Agholor added to the fold.