The Las Vegas Raiders once again find themselves plagued by multiple setbacks amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic heading into Week 11.
Defensive end Clelin Ferrell is likely to miss Sunday’s AFC West showdown versus the Kansas City Chiefs due to a positive coronavirus test. With right tackle Trent Brown and linebacker Cory Littleton already on the Reserve/COVID list, the recent turn of events has forced the Raiders to add six more players as high-risk close contacts.
The timing could not be worse with the team preparing for its biggest game of the 2020 NFL season so far. Fortunately, there at least appears to be a silver lining.
According to ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter Brown could potentially make his return to the practice field in Week 12:
There is optimism that Raiders OT Trent Brown could be cleared as early as next week to resume working out, per source. Brown wants to return and play, and this would be the first step to doing it after he was placed on Reserve/COVID-19 list for second time this season on Nov. 5.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 18, 2020
It has been a rough year for Brown from a health standpoint. The Raiders were forced to send home their entire offensive line after he was placed on the Reserve/COVID list back in late October.
Brown tested positive a second time on Nov. 5, which spurred the league to fine Las Vegas $500,000 and head coach Jon Gruden $150,000 while also stripping the team of a sixth-round draft pick for their repeated violations. They have now been taxed a total of around $1.2 million for coronavirus-related issues.
Despite all the setbacks they have endured, the Raiders are within striking distance of the Chiefs in their battle for divisional supremacy heading into the final stretch of the regular season. The looming return of Brown should undoubtedly provide a major boost to this makeshift offensive line.
Regardless, the onus will still fall on Las Vegas to start taking action in order to prevent any further violations that could cost them both players and money. As well as they have played up to this point, they will eventually need to be at full strength if they hope to emerge as bonafide contenders this season.
