Raiders report: Multiple starters unlikely to play against Broncos

The Raiders will likely be without several starters on both sides of the ball for Sunday’s game against the Broncos at Allegiant Stadium.

Cornerbacks Nate Hobbs (ankle) and Jakorian Bennett (shoulder) were ruled out Friday. The Raiders’ other starting cornerback, Jack Jones, practiced for the first time this week Friday while dealing with a back injury and has officially been listed as questionable.

The team’s running back room is also banged up. Alexander Mattison (ankle) and Zamir White (quad) are doubtful to play Sunday.

Veteran Ameer Abdullah is expected to start against the Broncos, while rookie Dylan Laube could see extended action for the first time in his career. Laube fumbled on his first NFL carry against the Steelers on Oct. 13.

The Raiders could also activate Sincere McCormick from the practice squad for additional depth.

“The plan is to see who’s productive and try to run plays for them,” coach Antonio Pierce said. “Those are three different guys who haven’t started for us, but played. We have to do what’s best for them.”

Pierce said Abdullah, Laube and McCormick won’t be expected to turn the Raiders’ running game around on their own. The team is averaging 75.2 rushing yards per game, the fewest in the NFL.

“It’s not going to come down to the running backs winning this game,” Pierce said. “It’s going to come down to the guys up front, us making plays on third down, situational football, us taking care of the ball and penalties.”

Tight end Harrison Bryant is questionable with an ankle injury after getting in two limited practice sessions this week.

Same with center Andre James and guard Cody Whitehair, both questionable with ankle injuries after limited participation in practice.

If either or both are active, it won’t be as starters.

Pierce said the plan is to stick with the five players who started on the offensive line last week in an effort to build some continuity in a group that has been shuffled repeatedly this season.

That means rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson will remain the starting center after moving over from guard after James was injured against Kansas City. James had started the first eight games at center, but was inactive for the past two.

“I don’t see changing the lineup,” Pierce said. “They’ve been practicing well the last couple days together, and we’ll keep it accordingly.”

Friendly rivals

Powers-Johnson will match up with his college quarterback for the second of what should be many NFL showdowns when he and Denver’s Bo Nix take the field Sunday.

While they remain friends, Powers-Johnson is more interested in a win than a reunion.

“I didn’t get to beat him yet,” the former Oregon offensive lineman said. “So that’s what I’m looking forward to.”

The Ducks went 22-5 in the two seasons they played together in Eugene.

“I have a lot of respect for Bo,” Powers-Johnson said. “Unbelievable player, has an amazing family. But I have to get him this time.”

Ready to break out?

Local product Jonah Laulu could be on the verge of a late-season breakout for the Raiders.

The defensive tackle has been standing out at practice consistently, reminding the staff of how Malcolm Koonce was dominating at practice just before he got rolling in games late last season.

“I’m telling you, these last four weeks, the practice tape has been outstanding,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. “I’m not saying that to be dramatic. It’s just rep after rep after rep. From his footwork, strike, his eye progression, his effort to the ball, the kid has put in the work. It’s been outstanding.”

Defensive line coach Rob Leonard went so far as to say the Raiders got a “steal” when they claimed the Centennial alum off waivers when he was cut by the Colts just before the season.

“Did we steal him? I don’t know,” Graham said when asked about the comment. “I mean I can’t speak for Indianapolis, but I’m glad he’s here and I’m glad he’s improving.”

Laulu took the praise in stride.

“I definitely feel the belief they have in me,” Laulu said. “Obviously I came in and was still trying to learn everything, and I feel I still am learning every day, which I think is good. But my mindset is I’m never satisfied no matter how much they try to praise me lately. Because if that stuff satisfies me, I’ll never reach my full potential.”

He credits the bye week for helping him step back and take a breath to evaluate the progress he has made as a rookie having to learn two different systems.

“It was needed to just reset and remember who I am,” he said. “I reminded myself to just go out there and let loose and play fast. That was my focus coming back, and hopefully I can continue doing that.”

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.