Raiders Anticipate Extended Absence for RG Powers-Johnson
The Las Vegas Raiders are facing significant challenges on their offensive line following injuries to key players, particularly starting right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson. During the Raiders’ narrow 10-7 defeat against the Denver Broncos, Powers-Johnson suffered a serious ankle injury that has led to concerns regarding his availability for upcoming games.
Injury Report: Powers-Johnson’s Setback
Powers-Johnson’s injury occurred early in the second quarter as quarterback Geno Smith was being sacked by Broncos edge rusher Nik Bonitto. The former standout from Oregon was immediately attended to on the field before being assisted off by trainers. Coach Pete Carroll confirmed that the guard will be sidelined “for a while,” leaving a gap in the Raiders’ offensive lineup.
Impact on the Offensive Line
This injury is compounded by another significant setback: starting left guard Dylan Parham also sustained a high ankle sprain during the same quarter. With these injuries, the Raiders are currently missing three of their starting offensive linemen, which severely impacts their offensive strategy and effectiveness.
- Jackson Powers-Johnson: Ankle injury, ruled out “for a while.”
- Dylan Parham: High ankle sprain.
- Kolton Miller: Currently on injured reserve due to an ankle injury.
These losses come at a critical time, as Smith was already feeling the pressure throughout the game. He was sacked six times and was limping by the end of the matchup, though he is not expected to miss any playing time due to a bruised thigh.
The ongoing injuries on the offensive line raise questions about the Raiders’ depth and ability to compete in the coming weeks. Head coach Pete Carroll will need to assess the situation carefully to devise a plan to mitigate these losses and maintain competitive performance.
