Raiders Trent Brown, Nick Kwiatkoski, Sam Young are inactive vs. Saints
Coach Jon Gruden said he was hopeful, but the Raiders’ injury report for Monday night’s game against the New Orleans Saints served as a reminder that “doubtful” almost always means “out.”
Right tackle Trent Brown (calf), middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral) and swing tackle Sam Young (groin) were among the six Raiders inactive players after missing practice all week for injuries sustained against a Week 1 win over Carolina.
All were listed as doubtful in Saturday’s injury report.
Brown, who lasted just three plays, has now missed six games dating back to last season in addition to three others where he played less than 10 snaps. Brown signed a four-year, $66 million contract after playing 16 games at left tackle with the New England Patriots and also through their postseason run to the Super Bowl championship.
The good news for the Raiders is that Denzelle Good, the converted guard who stepped in against Carolina, had a week to prepare as a right tackle. The bad news is his opposition is Cameron Jordan, the former Cal star who is one of the NFL’s top left defensive ends for the Saints.
With Young out, Brandon Parker, inactive in Week 1, will be the swing tackle backing up Kolton Miller and Good.
Wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, listed as questionable with a knee injury, is expected to play against the Saints.
In Kwiatkoski’s absence last week, Nicholas Morrow got increased time while Cory Littleton played every snap. Also available is Raekwon McMillan, who played six snaps against Carolina and had a key assisted tackle a late fourth-down stop.
Also inactive for the Raiders is wide receiver Rico Gafford, rookie cornerback Amik Robertson and defensive tackle Daniel Ross.
Javin White, the undrafted rookie out of McClymonds High and Nevada-Las Vegas, is among the 48 players active and will likely see time on special teams. White was promoted Monday from the practice squad.
The most significant inactive player for New Orleans is wide receiver Michael Thomas, who set an NFL record last season with 149 receptions. Thomas sustained a high ankle sprain in the Saints’ Week 1 win over Tampa Bay.