Although Las Vegas Raiders fans were mixed on the idea of Brock Bowers playing under two weeks removed from a meniscus trim, things started trending in that direction late this week. On the Los Angeles Chargers' side of things, Ladd McConkey was in the same boat as Bowers with a hurt rib.
But the official inactives list was just released ahead of the Week 2 matchup between these AFC West foes, and Bowers is not playing against the Chargers. McConkey, however, will play against the Raiders on Sunday. Here is the full list of Las Vegas' inactives:
TE Brock Bowers
CB Darien Porter
QB Aidan O'Connell
SAF Tristin McCollum
SAF Dalton Johnson
DT JJ Pegues
IOL Bryce Cabeldue
Las Vegas Raiders' full inactives list in Week 2 vs. Los Angeles Chargers
While disappointing not to have Bowers this week, it is undeniably a good thing for his longevity to sit out a bit longer and be more patient with his return. It sounds like he gave it an honest try in pre-game workouts, but the decision-makers in Las Vegas ultimately erred on the side of caution. Thankfully.
Porter was ruled out earlier this week after suffering a foot injury in Week 1, so it will be on rookies Zeke Masses and Jermod McCoy to step up in his absence. Darrell Luter Jr., who was claimed on waivers after cutdowns, will make his debut with the Raiders with Porter on the sideline.
O'Connell is inactive this week, but not the emergency third quarterback. He's dealing with a personal matter and reportedly did not travel with the team to Las Vegas. Hopefully, everything is okay with O'Connell and those close to him.
McCollum will be inactive in Week 2 after playing a big role on special teams in the opener. In his place, Cody Lindenberg will suit up, so the Raiders must be expecting a heavy dose of the run from the Chargers, and they are going a bit heavier on defense while maintaining special teams prowess.
Johnson, Pegues and Cabeldue are all inactive for the second straight week, so no changes there.
Ladd McConkey active for Chargers, Elijah Molden inactive
McConkey did not look ready to play earlier in the week, but he must have gotten rapidly healthier, as he will suit up for the Chargers. As expected, Trey Pipkins III and Elijah Molden are not playing for Los Angeles, and the latter is the bigger loss.
Molden is the Chargers' starting free safety and a pivotal piece of their secondary, so not having him will hurt Chris O'Leary's defense, which already struggled in Week 2. Pipkins III rotated in at left guard last week, but he has made Los Angeles' decision on that front easier now by being out.
The rest of the Chargers' inactives were expected or not significant contributors.
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