Raiders place Henry Ruggs III on COVID-19 reserve, knocking rookie out of Thursday evening battle

If the Raiders are going to beat the Chargers on Thursday whereas remaining within the thick of the AFC playoff image, they will should do it with out considered one of their prime offensive contributors. On Tuesday, the group positioned rookie extensive receiver Henry Ruggs III on their reserve/COVID-19 checklist. Ruggs will miss the Raiders’ upcoming sport towards Los Angeles. 

The No. 12 total decide within the 2020 draft, the 5-foot-11, 188-pound Ruggs has caught 23 passes for 418 yards and two touchdowns in 11 video games. Ruggs caught three passes in every of the Raiders’ final three video games that included his 46-yard, game-winning landing reception in Las Vegas’ Week 13 win over the Jets. Ruggs was much less productive this previous Sunday, nevertheless, as he totaled simply 18 yards on three catches within the Raiders’ 44-27 loss to the Colts that dropped Las Vegas to 7-6 and on the surface of the AFC playoff image. 

Ruggs’ absence on Thursday ought to result in extra alternatives for fellow rookie receiver Bryan Edwards. The 81st total decide on this yr’s draft, the 6-foot-3, 212-pound Edwards opened the yr as a starter earlier than an ankle damage sidelined him for a month. Edwards’ damage opened the door for veteran receiver Nelson Agholor, who’s third on the group in receptions (38), second in receiving yards (635) and tied for first in landing receptions (seven). Tight finish Darren Waller leads the Raiders with 84 catches for 817 yards and 7 touchdowns, whereas second-year receiver Hunter Renfrow is second on the group in receptions (47) and third in receiving yards (594). 

Las Vegas can even want a strong effort from operating again Josh Jacobs, who has battled accidents for a lot of the season. Jacobs, who has rushed for 65 yards and a landing on 14 carries throughout the Raiders’ Week 9 win over the Chargers, has posted simply two 100-yard dashing performances this season after having 5 such video games as a rookie. 

The Raiders are hoping to bounce again after dropping three of their previous 4 video games following Sunday’s defeat towards Indianapolis. Thursday evening’s sport would be the first with out former defensive coordinator Paul Guenther, who was relieved of his duties earlier this week. The Raiders’ protection, which can now be led by Rod Marinelli, will face a Chargers offense that’s led by rookie quarterback Justin Herbert, receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, and operating again Austin Ekeler.