Despite an inconsistent 2017 NFL season, the Oakland Raiders find themselves in a fortunate situation as they are currently in a three-way tie for first in the AFC West. With only four games left in the season, the Raiders will need to win out for the remainder of the year to keep pace in the playoff race.
Oakland will soon get a boost to their offense because Michael Crabtree is set to return to action after serving his one-game suspension. According to Scott Bair of NBC Sports Bay Area, Derek Carr is excited for Crabtree to return:
It’s going to be huge,” quarterback Derek Carr said. “We’ve been through this a couple of times this year. Anytime you can get a piece back, it’s nothing against anybody else, but those guys are starters for a reason. Those guys got all the reps.
“With ‘Crab’ coming back, obviously it’s no secret. I love throwing him the ball. I love ‘Crab’ and I think a lot of people know that. So being able to get him back, it definitely helps our team.”
With Amari Cooper’s playing status still unclear, Crabtree will surely take up most of the target share in the passing attack. The veteran receiver has been Carr’s favorite target in the red zone and that trend should continue going forward.
Week 14 is a pivotal game for the silver and black as they will take on the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, who have lost four straight, will be looking to get back on track and will give the Raiders plenty of fits on both sides of the field.
