One of the biggest signings the Las Vegas Raiders made last offseason was bringing in wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, and he paid immediate dividends in the team’s opening contest. Meyers led the Raiders with nine catches for 81 yards and a pair of touchdowns in their 17-16 victory over the Denver Broncos.
Unfortunately, late in that contest, Meyers would take a vicious hit from Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson that would give him a concussion. The receiver was unable to clear concussion protocol prior to the Raiders’ Week 2 loss to the Buffalo Bills, but it’s looking like progress is being made ahead of Week 3.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Meyers took a step in the direction of a return as he made his return to the practice field for the Raiders:
Jakobi Meyers, as part of the process of being cleared from concussion protocol, takes another step in the right direction today when he returns to the @Raiders practice field
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) September 20, 2023
This does not mean that Meyers has cleared the concussion protocol and he still has some hurdles to clear, but at least he is moving closer to being available for the Raiders. He and Garoppolo clearly have chemistry which was shown off in Week 1 and if the Raiders plan on getting back on the winning track against the Pittsburgh Steelers, having Meyers on the field would be a big help.
Meyers, along with Davante Adams and Hunter Renfrow form one of the most talented trio of wide receivers in the entire league with each bringing something different to the table. Even though Renfrow hasn’t been properly involved in the offense to this point, having all three available opens things up for a Raiders offense that needs to get going.
Of course, the most important thing is to make sure that Meyers is good to return. Head injuries are nothing to fool around with which is why the concussion protocol is in place to begin with. But as long as things keep progressing on this path, there is a good chance he will be back for the Raiders’ home opener.
And the task won’t be easy against a Steelers defense that is fierce and can create big plays as evidenced by a pair of defensive touchdowns on Monday night against the Browns. Meyers, Adams, Josh Jacobs, and the rest of the Raiders offense will need to be on point to come out with a win.
