Loss of Maurice Hurst a devastating hit to reeling Raiders defense

With Maurice Hurst heading to the reserve/COVID-19 list, the reeling Las Vegas Raiders defense was dealt a devastating blow.

The Las Vegas Raiders knew they needed all hands on deck if they were to beat the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, the reigning Super Bowl champs who have dominated this team in recent memory. In fact, the Chiefs have not lost to the Raiders with Patrick Mahomes under center, and come into the game with a 4-0 record.

For the Raiders, they looked very good early on, getting out to a 2-0 start, but since then, it has been all downhill. Not only have they lost two straight, but they are losing guys to injury left and right, and on Tuesday, another hammer fell.

Hurst a budding star

Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, who is budding into a star in Year 3, was placed on the reserve/COVID-19 list, essentially ending any chance he has to play on Sunday. This is a Raiders defense that has had few bright spots through the first four games of the season, but Hurst happens to be one of them.

Without Hurst, the already dangerous Chiefs offense will be able to exploit a Raiders defensive line that has gotten no push this season, and has been gashed by the run. With rookie cornerback Damon Arnette already out, and Nick Kwiatkoski playing in his second game after injuring his pec in Week 1, this could be a devastating blow for the Raiders defense.

In addition, quarterback Derek Carr has had some of his worst games playing at Arrowhead Stadium, the scene of the Sunday contest in Week 5. If he struggles, and the defense cannot pick up the slack, this could be a long afternoon for the Silver and Black.

There is also the possibility that this game is not even played on Sunday, as there will be a lot of testing done before the kickoff at 10:00am PT. Las Vegas has a bye week in Week 6, so keep an eye out on how the schedule possibly changes as we head into game time.