Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Texans in 2022 Week 7

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LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 02: Nate Hobbs #39 of the Las Vegas Raiders signals for a safety after tackling Melvin Gordon III #25 of the Denver Broncos on the goal line during an NFL football game between the Las Vegas Raiders and the Denver Broncos at Allegiant Stadium on October 02, 2022, in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images) /

Las Vegas Raiders X-Factors against the Texans in 2022 Week 7

Can the Raiders’ secondary overcome injuries?

The injury bug will always hit a team as the season progresses, and the Las Vegas Raiders are no exception. Their secondary has been particularly hard, with the latest blow coming with this week’s news regarding Nate Hobbs. The slot corner was placed on injured reserve after he broke bones in his hand in the Week 5 loss to Kansas City.

Hobbs has 36 tackles, 28 solos, including a sack, with a forced fumble and two passes defended in starting five games for the Raiders. Last season, the 2021 fifth-round draft pick had 74 tackles with a sack, an interception, three passes defended, and a forced fumble.

Granted, the Texans aren’t exactly a menacing threat through the air, as they rank 20th in pass attempts per game (33.2) and just 26th in passing yards per game (192.0). But they still have Brandin Cooks on the outside, who can still pose a threat against defenses over the top. Las Vegas must ensure the Texans don’t take advantage of a banged-up secondary, and the possible return of Anthony Averett, who suffered a broken thumb in Week 1, should help soften the blow.

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