The Las Vegas Raiders have their work cut out trying to get back into the win column versus the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 5. Fortunately, they can take solace in being able to welcome wide receiver Henry Ruggs III back to the lineup.
The Raiders’ receiving corps has struggled to stay healthy to start the 2020 NFL season. They lost Tyrell Williams for the year while the rookies Ruggs and Bryan Edwards have been on the mend in recent weeks.
Edwards is seemingly slated to miss his second game in a row due to an ankle injury after not getting any practice time in this week. However, Ruggs is expected to play after missing the last two games with knee and hamstring injuries.
No one is happier to have the explosive wideout back than quarterback Derek Carr is ahead of their road trip against the reigning Super Bowl champs, via Levi Edwards of the team’s website:
“I’m excited, man, we’re going to need him,” said Derek Carr. We’re going to need everyone going into Arrowhead. It’s not easy. It’s tough. Tough environment, tough team. Henry has shown some great signs of some great attributes, some things that you love to see of his work ethic, route running ability. I wish we would have got to see more of it the past few games but because he was hurt, we didn’t see it, but his toughness, man. The kid is tough.”
Carr’s comments are certainly understandable considering they are trying to avoid going on a losing streak on the road against a high-powered Chiefs’ offense. Head coach Jon Gruden made it clear that Ruggs’ speed was a major factor in the Raiders making him the first receiver taken in the 2020 NFL Draft since the offense would need some firepower of their own if they were going to combat them.
Of course, Ruggs also has his own bone to pick after being given the second-fastest speed rating on Madden 21 behind none other than Chiefs wide receiver Tyreek Hill. While he may be coming off of injury, it is safe to say that he is still looking forward to getting on the same field with Hill to prove who is truly faster.
For now, Carr is relishing in having another weapon at his disposal to work with after being shorthanded in recent weeks. Despite Ruggs’ struggles to start the season, this is an ideal opportunity to give Kansas City a taste of their own medicine.
