Las Vegas Raiders: 3 players who must step up with Henry Ruggs III gone

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) runs after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers middle linebacker Joe Schobert (93) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs III (11) runs after a catch as Pittsburgh Steelers middle linebacker Joe Schobert (93) defends during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 4, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) runs the ball against Los Angeles Chargers free safety Derwin James (33) during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Las Vegas Raiders: 3 players who must step up with Henry Ruggs III gone

Zay Jones

As the roster stands now, the only receiver on the team that can run the same routes that Ruggs did is Zay Jones. Bryan Edwards has a completely different play style from Ruggs, Renfrow does not possess the explosiveness that Ruggs had, and Zay Jones is the only other receiver currently on the active roster.

Jones has shown abilities when on the field, scoring the deep pass from Carr in overtime against the Ravens, as well as making big plays with the few amount of snaps he has gotten this season. Although Jones’s speed is not at the level of Ruggs, he is fast and has a good connection with Carr.

If the Raiders do not go out and get a speedster, Jones may be the guy, and he already has the backing of Carr, who speaks very highly of Jones. He is also someone that was once a high draft pick and has shown flashes, so maybe he takes advantage of what should be a big-time opportunity for him moving forward.