In the NFL, roster attrition forces head coaches to make week-to-week adjustments, and the Las Vegas Raiders will have to make a few ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots.
Running back Ashton Jeanty didn't practice Friday because of ankle and foot injuries. He played through an ankle sprain through the first four weeks of the season and appeared on this week's injury report with a foot issue. The second-year pro is questionable to suit up Sunday.
The Raiders ruled out Jalen Nailor, who's in concussion protocol, which thins an underperforming wide receiver unit. And although guard Jackson Powers-Johnson is healthy enough to play, he may not take the field this weekend.
Raiders offense heads into Week 5 with a few notable question marks
Can Malik Benson recapture buzz from a solid offseason?
Without Nailor, the Raiders need either Cody White or Malik Benson to take on an expanded role. White has established himself as a red-zone threat, scoring three touchdowns over the past three weeks, but he's only played 30 percent of the offensive snaps. Benson has a six-yard reception on the season.
Over the summer, Benson emerged as a potential sleeper target during practices, but it didn't translate into much preseason production. He caught three of 10 passes for 44 yards in three exhibition games.
Benson may have more opportunities to contribute to the Raiders' aerial attack on Sunday, even if White is first in line for additional targets. If the rookie sixth-rounder makes a significant impact, he could move up the depth chart in an underwhelming receiver unit.
Will Raiders elevate undrafted rookie RB Roman Hemby to active roster?
The Raiders should sit Jeanty to allow him time to recover from his injuries. He's lost his explosiveness on the ground, averaging fewer than three yards per carry in two of the last three weeks.
Nonetheless, head coach Klint Kubiak told reporters that Jeanty will "do his best to go" against the Patriots.
Regardless of Jeanty's status, the Raiders could call up a practice-squad running back. Las Vegas signed Roman Hemby as an undrafted rookie, though the club added fourth-year pro Owen Wright last week.
Since Hemby has been with the team since the spring, he could get the nod over Wright. If so, the Indiana product could help spell Mike Washington Jr. on early downs or fill in for Jeanty if he can't finish the contest.
In his last collegiate term, Hemby led the Hoosiers' ground attack, rushing for 1,120 yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 4.9 yards per carry.
Is Jackson Powers-Johnson losing grip on starting role?
After sitting out with a groin injury last week, Powers-Johnson will be available for Sunday's game, but the question remains whether he will see the field.
When asked if Powers-Johnson will start against the Patriots, Kubiak said, "We'll see."
Kubiak rarely reveals much about team plans before games, so his noncommittal stance on reinserting Powers-Johnson into the lineup tells us little. By the way, according to Pro Football Focus, backup right guard Caleb Rogers had a rough outing last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, allowing five pressures.
Kubiak's comments about Powers-Johnson's role could be a way to keep the third-year pro on his toes, but the Raiders' right guard position may be up for a change.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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