2 min read • November 24, 2021
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Injury Advantage: Raiders Offense vs. Cowboys Defense
Las Vegas running back Josh Jacobs missed a stretch of games with an ankle injury, but is now healthy. Backup rusher Kenyan Drake is on the injury report with a knee ailment, but he hasn’t missed practice time and likely won’t miss game reps either.
However, the Raiders have offensive line issues, especially in the run game. Veteran left guard Richie Incognito is on IR and backup John Simpson is questionable for the game with a ribs injury. Right guard Denzelle Good is out for the year, leaving rookie tackle Alex Leatherwood to fill in.
Dallas’ defensive line is thin, but that is not a new issue. Three of the four Cowboys’ starting defensive lineman are on IR and only DeMarcus Lawrence seems close to returning. The Cowboys are seventh in the league for least rushing yards allowed, but we expect that to change on Thanksgiving.
The Cowboys do have some depth issues at safety and cornerback, plus starting strong safety Donovan Wilson will likely miss the game with a shoulder injury.
Secondary Advantage: Raiders Defense vs. Cowboys Offense
CeeDee Lamb, the Cowboys 22-year-old wideout, is poised to miss his first career game after suffering a concussion against the Chiefs last Sunday. Lamb hasn’t practiced this week and will likely not clear concussion protocol in time to play against the Raiders’ injury-weakened secondary.
Star wideout Amari Cooper will also miss the game after he was placed on the COVID reserve list last Friday. Cooper, who is reportedly unvaccinated, must remain on the reserve list for the entire 10-day window. He will be eligible to return from the list this Sunday, but not any sooner because he cannot test out. Michael Gallup, who was activated off IR two weeks ago, will be Dallas’ leading receiver, followed by Cedrick Wilson and Noah Brown. The Raiders are sixth in the league for least passing yards allowed.
Star running back Ezekiel Elliott has been playing through an unknown knee injury since Week 5. We are not overly concerned about the injury, but he will likely cede touches to third-year back Tony Pollard, who is having a breakout year in the running and passing games.
Dallas will get star left tackle Tyron Smith back for the game, but his left ankle bone spurs could flare up.
The Raiders defense is relatively healthy, although they are down No. 1 corner Trayvon Mullen Jr. and No. 3 corner Damon Arnette was cut recently because of an off field issue.
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