HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — The Las Vegas Raiders have been dealt another devastating blow ahead of their highly anticipated matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with wide receiver Jakobi Meyers downgraded to doubtful due to an ankle injury.
This latest setback further exacerbates the Raiders' woes at a position already depleted by injuries and underperformance. As the team prepares to host the Steelers, the prospect of facing a formidable opponent without one of their most reliable receivers is a daunting one.
Meyers' absence would not only impact the Raiders' passing game but also deprive quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo of a trusted target. The former New England Patriots wideout was expected to play a significant role in the Raiders' offense this season, and his potential unavailability will undoubtedly be felt.
The Raiders' receiving corps has been plagued by injuries and inconsistent play, with several key players struggling to find their footing. Meyers' downgrade to doubtful only serves to heighten concerns about the team's ability to mount a competitive attack against a Steelers defense that has been impressive thus far.
While the Raiders still have a few days to assess Meyers' condition and potentially upgrade his status, the likelihood of him suiting up against the Steelers appears slim. The team will need to rely on other receivers to step up and fill the void left by Meyers' absence, a prospect that is by no means guaranteed to succeed.
The Raiders will face off against the Steelers on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 4:05 PM ET. As the team navigates this latest setback, one thing is certain: a win against their AFC rivals has become even more crucial in the wake of Meyers' uncertain status.