"In the NFL, you're never 100%. All of our guys are sore; all of our guys are tired, coaches included."
That's what Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said in a 1-on-1 interview on Tuesday ahead of a Week 4 clash with the Kansas City Chiefs, the Silver and Black's fellow undefeated AFC West counterpart. But I guess nobody told the Chiefs that, because they are notably healthy for the game.
Already in the first three weeks of the season, the Raiders' injury attrition has piled up a bit. They were without their best player for the first two weeks, as Brock Bowers was sidelined with a knee injury, and both starting cornerback Darien Porter and starting free safety Treydan Stukes have missed a game.
It's also quite obvious that Ashton Jeanty isn't operating at 100%. That, combined with Jack Bech now being out with a fractured forearm and Jackson Powers-Johnson dealing with a groin injury, means Las Vegas is currently up against a lot and has overcome a lot already.
Kansas City, though, may only be missing Josh Simmons when it comes to Allegiant Stadium on Sunday, which is quite an advantage.
Chiefs' injury report is full of full designations before game vs. Raiders
Both teams released their first injury reports of the week after Wednesday's practice, and Simmons was the only Chief who didn't participate. Here's the kicker, though: he hasn't participated since the middle of the preseason. Kansas City is 3-0 without him, so this doesn't exactly tilt the balance.
As for other Chiefs injuries, veteran cornerback L'Jarius Sneed was the only player even limited, as he is dealing with some kind of knee ailment. Honestly, though, the Raiders should want him to play, as he's been a liability in coverage so far, giving up 20 catches for 195 yards and a score in three games.
Notable names like Patrick Mahomes, Chris Jones, Rashee Rice, Chamarri Conner and Felix Anudike-Uzomah are all technically listed with injuries, but they were all full participants on Wednesday. It's not like Kansas City has key contributors sitting on the Injured Reserve, either.
This team is OTAs-like healthy.
Of course, an injury, illness, or other matter could always pop up mid-week and put someone "on the mend," as Kubiak would say. But based on how things look, the Chiefs should be fully staffed, with the exception of Simmons potentially missing his fourth-straight game. But even he is making progress.
Raiders' injury report isn't bad, but it's not as bare as Kansas City's
With contributors like Bech, Dont'e Thornton Jr. and rookie third-rounder Keyron Crawford already on IR, Las Vegas is also dealing with a few acute absences ahead of this Sunday's divisional showdown. Jackson Powers-Johnson hurt his groin in Week 3 and did not participate on Wednesday.
That would be the team's starting right guard missing practice ahead of a matchup with Chris Jones.
Aidan O'Connell is also still absent from practice as he grieves his father. And say what you want about him being a third-string quarterback, but he is an integral part of this team, and he has beaten the Kansas City Chiefs before.
Jeanty was also listed as a full participant, but watching him the last two weeks has been like watching a different player than in Week 1. He limps off the field, he's getting extra ankle tape on both sides, and he doesn't look as explosive, decisive or confident. Jeanty isn't "full," by any means.
Health is wealth in the NFL, and with the Raiders comparatively banged up, that puts them at a distinct disadvantage for Week 4. Hopefully, the tide turns, and Las Vegas has everyone possible available for what could be a major statement win at Allegiant.
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