The Las Vegas Raiders recently secured a narrow 19-14 victory against the Jacksonville Jaguars, setting the stage for their upcoming matchup against the New Orleans Saints. As the team prepares for this NFC clash, they released an injury report highlighting several key players. Notably, guards Jackson Powers-Johnson and Jordan Meredith are dealing with injuries, with Powers-Johnson limited in practice and Meredith not participating at all. Both players have been crucial to the Raiders' offensive line this season, contributing significantly to the team's performance. Powers-Johnson, a second-round draft choice, has shown remarkable versatility as a rookie, while Meredith has emerged as a pleasant surprise on the roster.
Despite their recent win, the Raiders find themselves in a complicated position regarding the draft. Their victory against the Jaguars cost them the No. 1 overall pick, which could have been used to select potential franchise quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Additionally, rookie running back Dylan Laube was sidelined due to illness, further complicating the team's preparations. On the defensive side, K'Lavon Chaisson, a former first-round pick of the Jaguars, has been a bright spot in the lineup, fully participating in practice and contributing four sacks and six tackles for loss this season.
The Saints may also face challenges, as star running back Alvin Kamara is nursing a groin injury and did not practice, while wide receiver Chris Olave is expected to return, adding a dynamic element to their offense. The Raiders' defense has been performing admirably, allowing only 15 and 14 points in their last two games. Defensive coordinator Patrick Graham emphasized the importance of fundamentals such as effort, communication, and discipline, which he believes are essential for continued success on the field.
