Latest Updates Circulate on the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders enter the final two weeks of the NFL regular season, a flurry of latest updates has circulated among fans, analysts, and league insiders—covering everything from critical injury recoveries to playoff seeding shifts and last-minute roster adjustments. After a dramatic turnaround from their 2-4 start, the Raiders (9-5) now find themselves in a three-way tie for the final AFC wildcard spot with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos, making every new development feel high-stakes. These updates not only shape expectations for the team’s remaining games but also offer clues about how they’ll perform if they secure a playoff berth. Latest Updates Circulate on the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down the most impactful recent news, from player availability to tactical tweaks, and what it all means for the Raiders’ push toward the post-season.

Latest Updates Circulate on the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the positive news on running back Josh Jacobs’ injury recovery, a development that has relieved many fans after his “doubtful” status last week. Jacobs, who suffered a Grade 1 hamstring strain in the Week 14 win over the Houston Texans, returned to full practice on Wednesday—participating in all team drills and showing no signs of discomfort. The Raiders’ medical staff confirmed that Jacobs has responded well to treatment, including targeted physical therapy and rest, and is now listed as “probable” for Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. “Josh looked great out there today,” said head coach Antonio Pierce after practice. “He’s moving well, cutting sharply, and his hamstring strength is back to where it needs to be. Having him available is huge for us—he’s the engine of our run game, and we need that consistency down the stretch.” Jacobs’ return comes at a critical time: the Jaguars rank 23rd in the NFL in rushing yards allowed (120 per game), giving the Raiders a chance to control the clock and keep Jacksonville’s high-powered offense off the field. Without Jacobs last week, backup Zamir White rushed for just 47 yards on 15 carries, highlighting how vital the starter is to the offense.

Another key update making the rounds is the Raiders’ adjusted playoff seeding outlook following last weekend’s AFC games. After the Colts lost to the Atlanta Falcons and the Broncos defeated the Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders now hold the No. 7 seed in the latest ESPN playoff projections—one spot ahead of the Colts (due to head-to-head tiebreaker) but behind the Broncos (who hold a better divisional record). However, a win over the Jaguars this weekend could propel the Raiders to the No. 6 seed, especially if the Broncos lose to the Kansas City Chiefs. NFL Network’s Cynthia Frelund, who runs the league’s official playoff model, notes that the Raiders now have a 78% chance of making the playoffs—up from 62% last week—thanks to their recent momentum and favorable remaining schedule. “The Raiders’ path is clearer now than it was a month ago,” Frelund explained. “If they win one of their last two games, they’ll likely secure a wildcard spot. If they win both, they could even jump to No. 5 and host a playoff game. But they can’t afford a loss—especially not to the Jaguars, who are also fighting for their playoff lives.” This seeding update has shifted the team’s focus: instead of just “making the playoffs,” the Raiders are now targeting a higher seed to avoid a first-round road game against a top AFC team like the Baltimore Ravens or Buffalo Bills.

A critical part of Latest Updates Circulate on the Las Vegas Raiders is the roster move involving veteran defensive end Yannick Ngakoue, who was activated from the practice squad to the active roster this week—a decision that strengthens the Raiders’ pass rush for the playoff push and underscores the Las Vegas Raiders’ commitment to winning now. Ngakoue, who signed with the Raiders in early December after being released by the Houston Texans, has spent the past three weeks on the practice squad acclimating to the team’s defensive scheme. With starting defensive end Tyree Wilson dealing with a minor ankle injury (listed as “questionable” for Sunday), Ngakoue will likely see significant snaps against the Jaguars, who have allowed 38 sacks this season (15th most in the NFL). “Yannick brings experience and a proven ability to get to the quarterback—something we need right now,” said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He’s been working hard in practice, learning our calls, and he’s ready to contribute. For the Las Vegas Raiders, this move isn’t just about filling a spot—it’s about adding a player who can make a difference in key moments, whether it’s a third-down sack or a forced fumble.” Ngakoue, who has 71.5 career sacks, is expected to line up opposite Maxx Crosby on passing downs, creating a formidable edge-rushing duo that could pressure Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence into mistakes.

Another notable update is the Raiders’ special teams unit getting a boost with the return of kick returner Devin Duvernay, who has been sidelined since Week 10 with a knee injury. Duvernay, who averaged 24.3 yards per kick return before his injury (ranking 8th in the NFL), was activated from injured reserve on Tuesday and is expected to handle kickoff return duties against the Jaguars. The Raiders’ special teams have struggled without Duvernay, with backup Xavier Gipson averaging just 20.1 yards per return in his absence—including a costly fumble in Week 12 that set up a Broncos touchdown. “Devin’s return is a big lift for our special teams,” said special teams coordinator Tom McMahon. “He’s a dynamic returner who can change field position in an instant, and that’s something we’ve been missing. For the Las Vegas Raiders, special teams can be the difference in a close game—especially against a team like the Jaguars, who have a strong special teams unit themselves. Having Devin back gives us another weapon to rely on.” Duvernay’s return also allows Gipson to focus on his punt return duties, where he has excelled (averaging 11.2 yards per return, 6th in the NFL), creating more stability across the entire special teams unit.

Wrapping up Latest Updates Circulate on the Las Vegas Raiders is the team’s final practice report ahead of Sunday’s game, which offers a clear picture of player availability and sets expectations for the Jaguars matchup. Along with Jacobs being probable and Wilson questionable, the Raiders list slot receiver Hunter Renfrow as “probable” (he missed last week’s practice with a minor hip strain) and left guard Dylan Parham as “out” (knee contusion). Parham’s absence means backup Lester Cotton will start at left guard for the second straight week—a spot where the Jaguars are likely to target defensive tackle Roy Robertson-Harris (5 sacks this season). To counter this, the Raiders have adjusted their practice reps, with Cotton working extensively with the first-team offense and center Andre James shifting to left guard in some packages to provide depth. “We’ve prepared for this scenario,” said offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “Lester has gotten better each week, and we’ve made adjustments to our blocking schemes to help him succeed. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the key now is execution—everyone knows their role, and we just need to go out there and play like we have the last eight weeks.” With all these latest updates in mind, the Raiders head into Sunday’s game with a clear game plan, a healthy core of key players, and the confidence that comes with a seven-game win streak. Latest Updates Circulate on the Las Vegas Raiders ultimately shows that while the team still faces challenges, the recent news leans in their favor—setting the stage for a critical win that could solidify their playoff spot and keep their Super Bowl dreams alive.