Las Vegas Raiders getting healthier in secondary heading into Week 16
By Brad Weiss
The Las Vegas Raiders could have two more starters available against the Miami Dolphins, as they continue to get healthier heading into Week 16.
The Las Vegas Raiders will take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 16, and despite all the losses over the last five games, they are actually still technically alive in the playoff hunt heading into the matchup. Of course, they need to beat Miami and then see Baltimore lose to the New York Giants, so it is a longshot, but here we are.
For the Dolphins, they go into this game fresh off a victory against the New England Patriots, as they continue to solidify themselves as a player in the AFC East. In a season that was supposed to be a stepping-stone, the Dolphins have proven to be one of the more exciting teams in the NFL, and have a solid young quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa.
On the other side of the coin, the Raiders still do not know who will start at quarterback on Saturday, as Marcus Mariota and Derek Carr split snaps in practice on Tuesday. Whoever it is, they will need to put up points against a solid Miami offense.
Abram and Arnette could return in Week 16
On the other side of the ball, the Silver and Black are starting to get healthier, especially in the secondary. After both missing the Week 15 loss against the Los Angeles Chargers, Johnathan Abram and Damon Arnette both could be back for the Raiders, giving interim defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli some reinforcements in the defensive backfield.
The Raiders were shredded by Chargers rookie quarterback Justin Herbert last Thursday night, and to get beaten by another rookie quarterback at home would be downright embarrassing. For the Raiders, they have seen a 6-3 start to the season disappear, so a win on Saturday night would at least be a bright spot in another tough end to the year.
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Las Vegas came into this season with high expectations, and they were acerbated by the strong start. However, with less than a one percent chance of making the playoffs, the season has gone off the rails, but a win in primetime would be a nice Christmas present for those members of Raider Nation who celebrate.