This season, more than any in recent memory, it feels like the Oakland Raiders have a player diagnosed with a season-ending injury every other week.
Sunday afternoon against the Tennessee Titans, rookie tight end Foster Moreau caught a pass near the Raiders' sideline, but after hauling it in he struggled to get to his feet. Under his own power, Moreau got up tenderly and limped over to the trainer's table, unable to put pressure on his left knee and clearly in immense pain. The play happened in the third quarter and he didn't return, but remained on the sideline next to his teammates.
Following the game, Head Coach Jon Gruden told reporters the team feared it could be a serious injury and the former LSU Tiger would miss significant time.
Monday afternoon, the news Gruden and the coaching staff feared was confirmed.
"Looks like Foster Moreau will be out for the year," Gruden shared during his press conference. "He suffered a knee injury. It's a big loss to our team, no doubt."
When the Raiders drafted Moreau, the rookie's role was a bit of a mystery, but he quickly developed into one of Derek Carr's favorite targets. He played in 13 games and started in seven of them, totaling 21 receptions for 174 yards and five touchdowns. His touchdown total is tied with wide receiver Tyrell Williams for the most on the team, so Moreau's production in the red zone will surely be missed.
Coach Gruden noted that while it is a severe injury, the team is optimistic that Moreau won't miss the entirety of next season, but they'll handle it with care moving forward.
"I don't think so knowing Foster," Gruden said when asked if he expects Moreau to miss 2020. "I don't believe it will be anything that will keep him out of next year, but I'm not going to make any predictions. It's a tough injury, he's got a lot of rehab ahead and can't compliment the job he did enough. He came in here as a rookie and played good football for us and going to be a big part of the Raiders' future."
Moreau was one of several contributors from the Raiders 2019 Draft Class that analysts were high on, and his stats speak for itself; five touchdowns on 25 targets are impressive.
With Moreau gone, the Raiders' offense will continue to lean on Darren Waller as its primary receiver and playmaker. The offense has used three tight ends on multiple occasions this season, but with Waller and Derek Carrier serving as the only remaining two on the roster, one has to wonder whether Gruden and General Manager Mike Mayock will add another body to the room.
Hopefully, Moreau has a swift and healthy recovery, but Monday's news was a devastating blow.
Check out the top photos from the Silver and Black's Week 14 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) pumps the team up in a huddle before the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive end Dion Jordan (95) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive end Dion Jordan (95) tips a pass that goes for an interception during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) returns an interception 55 yards during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) celebrates with fans after returning an interception 55 yards during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) celebrates with fans after returning an interception 55 yards during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) is congratulated by wide receiver Keelan Doss (18) after rushing for a 14-yard touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks a PAT during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) celebrates during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) talks with Head Coach Jon Gruden on the sideline during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and safety D.J. Swearinger (21) make a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) blocks as quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (52) pumps the crowd up during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) eyes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) pressures the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) makes a catch and takes it 49 yards for a touchdown during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates as he runs to the end zone on a 49-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates as he runs to the end zone on a 49-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates with fans after a 49-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Rico Gafford (10) celebrates with fans after a 49-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) kicks off during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Preston Brown (54) during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive end Dion Jordan (95) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders cornerback Keisean Nixon (22) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety D.J. Swearinger (21) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders guard Gabe Jackson (66) blocks during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) runs a route during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) goes for a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) makes a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) looks for a receiver during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is congratulated by fullback Alec Ingold (45) after a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) is congratulated by fullback Alec Ingold (45) after a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) celebrates after a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) rushes the quarterback during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (52) celebrates during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) breaks a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) goes for a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) defends during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders cornerback Nevin Lawson (26) breaks up a pass during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders cornerback Daryl Worley (20) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) punts during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders safety D.J. Swearinger (21) makes a tackle during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) rushes during the regular season game against the Tennessee Titans.
