At this point in the 2026 NFL season, trade rumors and injuries are going to be the biggest headlines, and the Las Vegas Raiders have notable players in both categories.
Last week, head coach Klint Kubiak started second-year pro Caleb Rogers at right guard over Jackson Powers-Johnson, which may spark speculation about the latter's future in Las Vegas.
Before the upcoming matchup with the Los Angeles Rams, the Raiders could elevate an undrafted rookie to fill in for a banged-up running back, though they may need to wait another week for reinforcements at wide receiver.
Here are our three underrated storylines for Week 7.
Raiders' underrated Week 7 storylines highlight an emerging trade candidate and the fluidity of their offensive personnel
Jackson Powers-Johnson trade rumors could heat up next week
The NFL trade deadline is November 10, which is before Week 10, but we should expect swirling rumors around Powers-Johnson as he adjusts to a backup role.
If the Raiders don't see a short-term future for Powers-Johnson in Kubiak's offense, he would be an appealing trade candidate. The third-year pro has one year left on his rookie deal, has experience at center and both guard spots and is only 23 years old.
Teams will likely be interested in Powers-Johnson, a recent second-round pick with upside despite his injury history because of his low-cost contract. He has no guaranteed money after the 2026 season and a modest $2.8 million cap number for 2027, per Over the Cap.
Unless Kubiak reinserts Powers-Johnson back into the starting lineup, expect the versatile interior lineman to be one of the top trade targets leading up to the deadline.
RB Roman Hemby could be elevated to active roster for second time
Running back Mike Washington Jr. popped up on this week's injury report with foot and back injuries. He logged a limited practice on Wednesday and sat out on Thursday and Friday. Typically, players whose practice participation trends in the wrong direction during the week miss the upcoming game.
However, when asked about Washington's status, Kubiak said, “We’re expecting him to be ready.”
A coach's expectations aren't always aligned with reality. Moreover, Kubiak hasn't been forthcoming with injury information.
Keep an eye on the transaction wire. If the Raiders elevate undrafted rookie Roman Hemby, it's a sign that Washington will likely be inactive on Sunday. The team called up Hemby before its Week 5 matchup against the New England Patriots, but he didn't log any snaps in that game.
Wide receiver help on the way back from injuries?
Wide receivers Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. could be close to returning from their injuries.
The Raiders placed Bech on IR with a broken forearm after their Week 3 win over the New Orleans Saints. They can activate him after Sunday's game. Las Vegas placed Thornton on injured reserve after the August 30 roster-cut deadline, which allows the club to activate him during the season.
Bech posted "Soon" on his Instagram, signaling he may be back on the active roster in the near future.
Kubiak provided a positive update on Thornton's status via The Athletic's Sam Warren.
"He's making big progress. He's done a lot of good things in practice. Still working back, getting his football legs back after missing a lot of time. But I've been really pleased with his effort, with his detail. He's close."
Since the Raiders opened Thornton's 21-day practice window three weeks ago, they must activate him off injured reserve for Week 8, or he'll have to sit out the remainder of the season.
The Raiders' outlooks on Bech and Thornton could influence how aggressively they pursue wide receivers before the trade deadline.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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