The Oakland Raiders have announced that defensive end Clelin Ferrell and wide receiver Tyrell Williams are both questionable for the team’s Week 5 tilt against the Chicago Bears in London. Neither player practiced at all this week, so they are true game-time decisions.
The prospect of either player having to miss any time would deal a devastating blow to each side of the ball for the Raiders as they have already been forced to deal with a handful of other injuries.
Ferrell is still recovering from a concussion he suffered during the team’s win against the Indianapolis Colts. The hope is that he will be able to make it through the protocol in time for Sunday’s game.
The Raiders took many by surprise when they decided to use the first of their three first-round picks in the 2019 NFL Draft on Ferrell. He has since become an integral piece in helping to establish an aggressive identity on defense while registering 10 tackles and a sack through his first four career NFL games.
Although the rookie is still trying finding his footing in the NFL, he still provides some much-needed stability on the edge. Otherwise, Oakland would have had to rely on their rather thin depth in defensive ends Arden Key and Maxx Crosby to try and fill the void in his absence
Meanwhile, Williams has spent the week nursing a foot injury. Offensive coordinator Greg Olson was hopeful that he would make his return, so it seems likely that he will try to give it a go.
Williams has enjoyed quite the hot start to the season after emerging as the No. 1 option for quarterback Derek Carr in the passing game. This has led to him hauling in 17 catches for 216 yards while catching a touchdown pass in each game this year.
It is safe to say that the Raiders do not boast much firepower on offense outside of Williams and running back Josh Jacobs. The receiving corps currently consists of J.J. Nelson along with rookies Hunter Renfrow and Keelan Doss.
The Raiders have a chance to get back over .500 with a win over a tough Bears team. It won’t come easy though as while their offense is nothing to brag about, Chicago’s defense as picked up right where it left off as one of the best groups in the league last year. Not to mention, a familiar face in defensive end Khalil Mack will undoubtedly be looking to make a statement against his former team.
Nelson, Dwayne Harris and Richie Incognito are all also listed as questionable for the game.
