Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders gear up for their critical divisional matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers— a game with implications for their playoff positioning— injury updates have become a focal point for players, coaches, and fans alike. With several key contributors listed on the team’s injury report over the past week, the Raiders’ medical staff has been working around the clock to evaluate recovery timelines and determine availability. These updates aren’t just routine checks; they hold the power to reshape the Raiders’ lineup, alter their game plan, and ultimately influence the outcome against a Chargers team that’s equally hungry for a win. Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the latest on injured players, the potential ripple effects on the team, and how the Raiders are preparing for every scenario.

Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders starts with the most pressing concern: the status of star wide receiver Davante Adams, who missed Wednesday’s practice with a lingering shoulder strain. Adams sustained the injury in the Raiders’ Week 16 win over the Indianapolis Colts, where he caught eight passes for 105 yards but left the game briefly in the third quarter. The team’s initial update labeled him as “day-to-day,” but his absence from practice raised questions about his availability against the Chargers. On Thursday, however, Adams returned to limited practice, participating in individual drills and light route-running— a positive sign for the Raiders’ offense. “Davante is a warrior, but we’re not going to rush him back if he’s not 100%,” head coach Josh McDaniels said in a press briefing. “He’s been working closely with our trainers, and we’ll make a final call based on how he feels Friday. But his progress today was encouraging.” Adams, who leads the Raiders with 98 catches and 11 touchdowns, is irreplaceable in the passing game, and his potential absence would force the team to rely more on Hunter Renfrow and Mack Hollins.

Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders highlights another critical injury: starting offensive tackle Kolton Miller’s ankle sprain, which has kept him sidelined for two consecutive practices. Miller, the Raiders’ left tackle and a anchor of the offensive line, injured his ankle in the fourth quarter of last week’s loss to the Denver Broncos, forcing backup Jermaine Eluemunor to step in. Eluemunor held his own against the Broncos’ pass rush but allowed one sack and two quarterback hits— a concern heading into a matchup with the Chargers’ Joey Bosa, who has 10 sacks this season. The Raiders’ medical staff has been treating Miller with ice therapy and targeted exercises to reduce swelling, and he’s expected to test his ankle in Friday’s practice. “Kolton is our best lineman, and protecting Aidan [O’Connell] starts with him,” offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo said. “We’ve got a plan if he can’t go— Jermaine has played well in spot duty— but we’d obviously prefer to have Kolton back. His availability will be a big factor in how we approach the Chargers’ pass rush.”

Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the status of linebacker Denzel Perryman, who returned to full practice Thursday after missing last week’s game with a hamstring injury— a welcome update for the Las Vegas Raiders’ defense. Perryman, the team’s leading tackler with 86 stops this season, adds physicality and leadership to a linebacking corps that struggled without him against the Broncos, allowing 145 rushing yards. His return couldn’t come at a better time, as the Raiders prepare to face Chargers running back Austin Ekeler, who has rushed for 890 yards and 10 touchdowns while adding 54 catches for 450 yards. “Denzel’s presence changes our defense,” defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. “He’s a downhill tackler who can shut down the run and cover tight ends in the flat. For the Las Vegas Raiders, getting him back healthy means we can run our base defense more effectively and not have to rely on nickel packages as much.” Perryman’s full participation in practice suggests he’ll be available for Sunday’s game, but the Raiders plan to limit his reps in pre-game warmups to avoid reaggravating the hamstring.

Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders explores how these injury updates are influencing the Las Vegas Raiders’ game plan adjustments. If Adams is limited, McDaniels has indicated the team will lean more on its running game, featuring Josh Jacobs, who has rushed for 1,180 yards this season. The Raiders may also use more two-tight end sets, with Darren Waller and Foster Moreau splitting time to create mismatches against the Chargers’ linebackers. Defensively, if Miller can’t play, the Raiders will likely use more slide protections to help Eluemunor against Bosa, sending extra blockers his way to limit Bosa’s opportunities to pressure O’Connell. “Injuries force you to be creative, but we’re not going to reinvent the wheel,” McDaniels said. “We have talented players who can step up, and our game plan will play to their strengths. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the key is to execute— whether we have all our starters or not.” The team has also been practicing with backup combinations in case multiple players are sidelined, ensuring there’s no confusion on game day.

Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders concludes with the broader impact of these updates on the Las Vegas Raiders’ playoff hopes and pre-game momentum. A fully healthy lineup would give the Raiders a fighting chance to beat the Chargers and keep their playoff bid alive, while multiple key absences could make it difficult to compete against a Chargers team that’s won three of its last five games. For fans, the daily injury updates have become a source of anxiety and anticipation, with social media buzzing about Adams’ shoulder and Miller’s ankle. “Every practice report feels like a rollercoaster,” said long-time Raiders fan Mike Peterson, who runs a local fan club. “We need everyone healthy to beat the Chargers— especially Davante and Kolton. But if they’re out, we have to trust the backups to step up.” The Raiders will release their final injury report Friday afternoon, with game-time decisions expected for Adams and Miller. In the end, Injury Updates Loom Ahead of Chargers for the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of resilience— a reminder that in the NFL, adapting to injuries is just as important as talent, and the Raiders’ ability to overcome adversity will define their chances against the Chargers.