The Oakland Raiders are dealing with their fair share of injuries in the secondary as they look to get a winning streak going at home against the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 11.
The Raiders were dealt yet another crucial blow over the top with safety Karl Joseph ruled out for the rest of the 2019 NFL season after suffering a foot injury while making the game-winning interception against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10. Meanwhile, safety Lamarcus Joyner also picked up a hamstring injury earlier on the same drive.
Although Oakland initially held out hope that he would be available for Cincinnati, he has not been able to log in any practice time this week. As a result, it appears they will have to find a way to go without him:
Joyner has now officially been ruled out for Week 11 with the hamstring issue, via Scott Bair of NBC Sports:
David Sharpe has also been ruled out. Trent Brown is questionable.
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) November 15, 2019
Additionally, backup offensive tackle David Sharpe has also been ruled out with a calf injury while right tackle Trent Brown is still listed as questionable after dealing with a knee issue this week:
David Sharpe has also been ruled out. Trent Brown is questionable.
— Scott Bair (@BairNBCS) November 15, 2019
The prospect of having to overcome such key injuries should pose a challenge for Oakland. Fortunately, a favorable matchup against a winless Cincinnati team should make it easier for them to find their footing.
Joyner has played an integral role in the Raiders defense while working out of the slot in nickel packages. While he has struggled to live up to the billing of his lucrative signing in the offseason, there is no question that his presence will still be missed after all the injuries they have suffered in the secondary throughout the course of the 2019 campaign.
Meanwhile, Sharpe’s absence will also leave a notable void in Oakland’s depth up front and the fact that Brown is now listed as questionable raises even more concern. If neither are unable to play or forced to leave the game for any reason, reserve tackle Brandon Parker would be the only one left to fill the void and he struggled mightily during the 2018 campaign.
The Raiders have done what they can to address their issues on the defensive side of the ball with the recent additions of safety D.J. Swearinger and defensive end Dion Jordan. They may have to start exploring further options along the offensive line if they hope to avert disaster down the stretch.
