Raiders offense getting back to full form
Brock Bowers said he'll be "ready to roll" Sunday after missing his last three games with a knee injury.
Bowers said he's close to feeling 100 percent and has been a full participant throughout the week in practice. Despite missing three games, the All-Pro tight end is third on the team in receiving yards (225) and receptions (19).
Another player expected to be back is Jakobi Meyers, who's been a full participant throughout the week. A knee injury forced him out of action in Week 7 against the Kansas City Chiefs. Meyers is tied with Tre Tucker with most receptions on the team this season with 29.
"I think anytime you don't have Jakobi, anytime you don't have Brock ... that has to impact you," Chip Kelly said Thursday. "But everybody in the NFL deals with the same thing. I don't think there's anybody right now that's playing with the same starting lineup that they started the season with, you know, so that's just part of the deal."
Jacksonville without their young "Iron Man"
While the Raiders will be getting back a couple of their top pass catchers, the Jaguars will be without a young star.
Travis Hunter, who was emerging into the team's leading receiving option, reportedly suffered a knee injury in practice Thursday. Jaguars Head Coach Liam Coen announced Friday morning that Hunter will be placed on injured reserve, effectively ruling him out for this Sunday.
Not only will Jacksonville be losing one of their top receivers, but a cornerback as well. Hunter has also been splitting snaps on offense and defense this season, as he did throughout his Heisman Trophy winning collegiate career. He's the second NFL player over the last 30 seasons to record at least 20 receptions and 15 tackles in the same season, joining his former head coach at Colorado, Deion Sanders (36 receptions, 33 tackles in 1996).
Continuous emphasis on rushing attack
As the Jaguars will be without their 2025 first-rounder, the Raiders will continue to expect more from theirs.
Ashton Jeanty is currently accounting for 67.8 percent of the Raiders' total rushing yards, the fifth-highest percentage in the NFL. With a total 445 rushing yards, only three other players in franchise history have rushed for more yards through seven career NFL games than Jeanty: Josh Jacobs (620), Marcus Allen (555) and Bo Jackson (554).
But even with high volume of touches Jeanty receives, there's room for improvement in regards to efficiency. The rookie running back rushed for a season-low 21 yards on six carries in Week 7 against the Chiefs and has averaged less than 3.5 yards a carry in his last two contests.
"We really do see the glimpses of the continuity that it takes to run the football. We have no question about what both Ashton and Raheem [Mostert] bring to us," Pete Carroll said Wednesday. "We've got to make sure that we're giving them the opportunities. In the game last week when we really wanted to run the football, we couldn't make a first down, so we didn't have the opportunities. But I can see it and feel it, and it looks like we're really connected, and so we need to show the results of that."
While the emphasis is once again on establishing the ground game, it will be a tall task against this Jaguars defense that has allowed the sixth-fewest rushing yards and has yet to allow an individual player to rush for 100 or more yards in any game this season.
A veteran addition to receiving corps
Tyler Lockett is preparing for his Silver and Black debut after signing with the team Monday.
The 11-year NFL receiver spent a decade with Carroll on the Seattle Seahawks, transforming into a big-time playmaker in the Pacific Northwest.
"I understand his system, I understand what he's trying to bring to the culture," Lockett said of his relationship with Carroll. "Just thankful I got another chance just to be able to play for him."
He also has familiarity with Geno Smith as the two have connected on over 200 passes for 16 touchdowns together.
"Tyler is a guy who understands me and knows how to get me going," Smith said. "He's a great locker room guy, great leader. He's going to provide a ton of information for the wideouts, and especially for our young guys who are still developing and learning. And he's also still got juice, man. He can still play."
As Smith mentioned, Lockett also believes he adds another dimension to the receiver room. Even more than what he brings physically, he hopes to bring "knowledge and understanding" to the young receivers.
"You've got to know when the run the route and when to be able to create a little bit more creativity with it," Lockett said. "So. just being able to bring that and stay within the box of what Chip is trying to bring to us."
Plan for Jaguars QB1
As Jacksonville sits at 4-3, Trevor Lawrence has played a huge role in both their success and their mishaps. He holds a 9:5 touchdown to interception ratio on the season, along with two rushing touchdowns, one of which was a game-winning tumble into the end zone against the Chiefs in Week 5.
"He's doing a good job of getting the ball out quick," Patrick Graham said of Lawrence. "He has a lot of weapons out there with the receivers, the backs and the tight ends. ... The thing that's strikingly different to me is his footwork. Again, I'm not quarterbacks coach by any stretch of imagination, but I watch a lot of them, and just the improvement of his footwork I thought has been really telling in terms of how he's able to get rid of the ball."
While Lawrence has seen improvement in his fifth NFL season, he's also had some struggles. Through seven games, he's completing 58.7 percent of his passes, his worst mark since his rookie season in which he led the league in interceptions. Additionally, four of his five interceptions have been thrown in zone coverages.
As for the Raiders, they've deployed zone coverage on 84 percent of opponent dropbacks this season, the third-highest rate in the league. The Raiders are also 14th in the league in fewest passing yards allowed (1,576).
A callback to Baton Rogue
Rookie wide receiver Jack Bech has an intriguing matchup this weekend against one of his former college teammates, Brian Thomas Jr.
The two obviously won't be lined up against each other, but they both could provide a spark to their respective teams. Bech has earned a bigger workload within the offense over the course of his rookie season, going from 30 snaps played in his first four games combined to 104 in his last three contests.
"Just coming in here each and every day, putting the head down and getting to work," Bech said of his progression. "Understanding the playbook and the defenses we're playing but I think at the end of the day just coming in here ... trying to get one percent better each day."
Bech and Thomas were teammates at LSU for two seasons. Bech ultimately transferred to TCU in 2021 and Thomas became the Jaguars' first-round pick in 2024. Thomas enjoyed a massively successful rookie campaign with 1,282 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Last year in Allegiant Stadium, he had nine catches for 132 yards and a touchdown. And now with Hunter out this Sunday, it's expected that he'll handle more duties against the Raiders defense.
"BT [Brian Thomas Jr.] is one of the best, young wideouts in this league," Bech said. "Super explosive, big, long, lengthy, fast and strong. He's got everything in the game you'd want as a receiver. We've had a lot of great memories at LSU so it's definitely going to be fun to strap it up and play these boys this weekend."
As the Silver and Black prepare for the Week 9 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, take a look back at their past matchups through the years.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Napoleon Kaufman (26) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Rob Fredrickson (53) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Lincoln Kennedy (72) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Daryl Hobbs (80) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 1996, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Russell Maryland (67) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 21, 1997, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel (85) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Warren Sapp (99) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders full back Zack Crockett (32) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, January 2, 2005, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders offense lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Jay Richardson (98) during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Terdell Sands (90) during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders running back Dominic Rhodes (33) during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders tight end Zach Miller (80) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium, Sunday, December 23, 2007, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders guard Cooper Carlisle (66) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 21, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders guard Cooper Carlisle (66) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 21, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Mike Jenkins (21) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Rod Streater (80) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders center/guard Stefen Wisniewski (61) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Terrelle Pryor (2) during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 15, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders punter Marquette King (7) during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 2-yard touchdown catch during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders running back Latavius Murray (28) rushes for a 9-yard touchdown during the regular reason away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, October 23, 2016, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Will Compton (51) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) during the regular season game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 15, 2019.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) rushes for an 8-yard touchdown during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Zamir White (35) rushes during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu (65) lines up before the snap during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Zach VanValkenburg (54) makes a tackle during the Hall of Fame Game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, Thursday, August 4, 2022, in Canton, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver DJ Turner (19) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) knocks downs the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) lines up to kick a 38-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Rock Ya-Sin (26) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Malcolm Koonce (51) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, Sunday, November 6, 2022, in Jacksonville, Fla.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson (58) blocks during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle DJ Glaze (71) blocks during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Jonah Laulu (96) pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Las Vegas, Nev.
