The Las Vegas Raiders are spiraling into the abyss of the 2025 NFL season, clinging to a dismal 2-10 record that puts them on the brink of a winless finish. What started as a campaign brimming with potential has devolved into a harsh reality check—this squad simply wasn’t primed to chase playoffs or even hold their own in most matchups.
Sure, the Raiders have dodged the injury apocalypse that’s plagued other teams, but they’ve still felt the sting. Star tight end Brock Bowers battled through nagging ailments before sitting out three games, while stalwart left tackle Kolton Miller has been glued to the injured reserve list since Week 4. Adding insult to injury, center Jackson Powers-Johnson joined him on IR in Week 10.
The hits kept coming with a flurry of minor setbacks in recent weeks, and Week 13 was no exception. As the Raiders gear up for a daunting showdown against the Denver Broncos this Sunday, Wednesday’s practice session delivered a gut punch: several key players were nowhere to be found, turning an already steep climb into a sheer cliff.
Raiders Battle Injuries as Season Winds Down to a Critical Crossroads
At this juncture, the Raiders’ locker room is a pressure cooker—players and coaches scrapping tooth and nail to secure their futures, even as victories could sabotage their shot at a top draft pick. It’s a brutal truth, but the focus needs to shift: prioritize player growth and pinpoint who belongs in the long-term blueprint.
Case in point: Rookie offensive guard Caleb Rogers seized his moment in Week 13, stepping into the starting lineup when veteran Jordan Meredith bowed out with an ankle sprain. According to Raiders.com’s Levi Edwards, Meredith made a limited return to practice on Wednesday, offering a sliver of hope.
But the absences piled up elsewhere. Tight end Michael Mayer, who sat out his third game of the year in Week 13, remained sidelined from practice. Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., forced out of Sunday’s contest with a concussion, and special teams ace Alex Bachman were also MIA, as reported by ESPN’s Ryan McFadden.
Mayer might be listed as the No. 2 tight end, but his impact has been undeniable in the Raiders’ frequent two-tight-end formations. He’s hauled in 22 catches on 32 targets for 182 yards and a touchdown—numbers that rank him fourth on the team’s receiving leaderboard.
Bachman’s value shines on special teams, where he handles punt returns and blankets coverage units. Thornton Jr., meanwhile, has logged a hefty 45.9% of offensive snaps and trails only Tre Tucker in targets among wideouts.
If these guys can’t go, the Raiders have contingency plans. Ian Thomas and Carter Runyon have impressed in Mayer’s stead at tight end. Tucker could slide into punt return duties for Bachman, while Jack Bech and Tyler Lockett might see expanded roles if Thornton Jr. is scratched.
Meredith’s limited status wasn’t the only concern—defensive powerhouse Maxx Crosby and quarterback Geno Smith (who was spotted hobbling post-game on Sunday) were also restricted. And in a surprise twist, offensive lineman Dylan Parham skipped practice altogether, tagged with a back issue by the team.
A Daunting Duel Awaits Against a Juggernaut
The Raiders are already underdogs heading into this AFC West grudge match, hosting the red-hot 10-2 Denver Broncos. But layering on these fresh injuries? It sketches a nightmare scenario for Las Vegas, dimming any flicker of optimism against their arch-rivals.
As the season limps toward its finale, the Raiders’ injury woes underscore a team in transition. Will they rally for pride, or embrace the rebuild? Sunday’s clash might just drop another bombshell on Sin City’s faithful.