Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams: 3 things we learned in preseason Game No. 2
By Nick Bailey
![Aug 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams receiver TuTu Atwell (15) in the third quarter as Raiders aafety Dalin Leavett (32) looks on at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Aug 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) intercepts a pass intended for Los Angeles Rams receiver TuTu Atwell (15) in the third quarter as Raiders aafety Dalin Leavett (32) looks on at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fjustblogbaby-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fimagn-images-2F2018-2F08-2F16607429-850x560-650a163ecebe4d1ad77ba0c7c3b040c66fbe74a96f701c543dab22c162e76e70.jpg)
Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Rams: 3 things we learned
Linebacker Depth in trouble
The Raiders linebacker situation has been a mess for years, but it was looking to finally getting back on track this season with Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski, and Nicholas Morrow expected to start under new linebackers coach Richard Smith and defensive coordinator Gus Bradley. However, injuries are stacking up, and Morrow had to leave Thursday’s joint practice with a foot injury.
Throughout the offseason and preseason, Tanner Muse, who was injured for the entire 2020 season, and 2020 undrafted free agent Javin White have been playing well, and showing that the Raiders may have some depth. 2021 third-round pick Devine Deablo continues to work his way back from an offseason injury, and Gruden has said that he hopes Deablo will be able to play in the preseason finale against the 49ers.
However, things do not look good for White as he and Malcolm Koonce were injured on the same play late in the game, and White seems to have gotten the worst of it, having to be carried off the field by his teammates then carted off after that.
Supposedly Pro Bowl linebacker K.J. Wright is choosing between returning to the Seahawks and reuniting with his old defensive coordinator Gus Bradley, so we’ll see if the Raiders pursue him a little more aggressively after this sudden rash of injuries to their linebackers.