The Oakland Raiders have had their share of injuries during the 2019 season. Most recently, right tackle Trent Brown and wide receiver Tyrell Williams have been the ones on the sideline as they each are dealing with their own respective injuries.
Williams has not played since Week 4, but this past weekend against the Green Bay Packers was Brown’s first game missed this season due to a calf strain. Brown was the team’s big offseason signing to help create an offensive line that could protect quarterback Derek Carr.
According to head coach Jon Gruden, there is a solid chance that Brown suits up against the Houston Texans this Sunday, via Scott Blair of NBC Sports:
“I think this week he has a better than 50/50 chance,” Gruden said. “That’s me being optimistic, but right now I’d say it’s questionable at best.”
Brown was replaced by third-year tackle David Sharpe. Although Gruden was satisfied with Sharpe’s performance, he did make some key mistakes.
On two separate plays that would have resulted in touchdowns, Sharpe was called for holding. Although he is not the only player with blame for the loss against the Packers, those two touchdowns would have made a huge difference.
As for Williams, he has been dealing with plantar fasciitis, but Gruden remains optimistic about his recovery as well:
“He ran today, showing some progress,” Gruden said. “All I can say is we’re crossing our fingers. We really are.”
Williams’ return to action would certainly help the Raiders in their upcoming matchup with the Houston Texans. Of course, tight end Darren Waller has emerged as Carr’s No. 1 option in the air, but Williams’ speed is irreplaceable as a deep threat.
Despite missing the last two games, Williams still has the second-most receptions and receiving yards on the team. In his absence, Gruden has rotated through his young group of reserve receivers such as Keelan Doss and Trevor Davis.
Thus far, the Texans have allowed the most passing yards in the NFL. Should Williams return, he should be able to take advantage of poor defense. He would be going up against his former teammate though as the Raiders completed a trade this week to send Gareon Conley to the Texans, and he is expected to suit up for his new team on Sunday.
