Raiders are in big trouble in Week 4 with several star players ruled out

The Las Vegas Raiders got off to a 1-2 start with double-digit losses to the Chargers and Panthers but a three-point win over the Baltimore Ravens.

So far, they have average to below average play in most of their offense. Rookie tight end Brock Bowers and standout wide receiver Davante Adams have done well catching the ball, combining for 36 catches, over 400 yards and a touchdown in three games.

On defense, Maxx Crosby obviously leads the unit. Crosby was incredible once again, recording three sacks in three games. Crosby remains one of the best fullbacks in football.

But Las Vegas won’t be at full strength and will be missing some of those key stars as they host the struggling Cleveland Browns on Sunday.

Las Vegas, already short on talent, will be missing some of its best players this week, including its top offensive talent and its top defensive talent.

Coach Antonio Pierce recently confirmed that Adams, Crosby and backup tight end Michael Mayer will all miss Sunday’s game against the Browns. Adams is expected to miss the game with a hamstring injury reported late in the week, and Crosby will be out with an ankle injury.

Las Vegas will also be without several other starters this week, including linebacker Divine Deablo with an oblique injury and right tackle Thayer Munford with a knee/ankle injury.

According to Pierce, there is no current timetable for the return of any of these players.

Not having Adams in the lineup is a huge detriment to the Raiders offense considering he is one of the best pass catchers in football. This season, Adams recorded 18 receptions for 209 yards and one touchdown for 27 scores.

As for Crosby, he is Las Vegas’ best pass rusher on the roster. In three games played, Crosby recorded 14 combined tackles (eight solo, six assists), five tackles for loss, five quarterback hits and three sacks. However, the Raiders will face a Browns offensive line that will be without starters Jedrick Willis Jr. and Jack Conklin.

I expect Bowers to have a retirement this week. Las Vegas simply doesn’t have the weapons on offense to be without Adams and Mayer. They will lean heavily on their rookie tight end.