Tag: Los Angeles

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Rams tight ends coach Nick Caley against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reports: Texans hiring Rams assistant Nick Caley as offensive coordinator

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Houston Texans are hiring Los Angeles Rams assistant coach Nick Caley as their offensive coordinator, according to multiple media reports on Monday.

Caley, 42, served the past two seasons as the Rams’ tight ends coach and added the responsibility of pass game coordinator in 2024.

He replaces Bobby Slowik, who was fired after two seasons in Houston.

Caley spent eight years with the New England Patriots as a tight ends coach (2017-22), TEs and fullbacks coach (2020-21) and an offensive assistant (2015-16).

The native of Canton, Ohio, previously coached in the college ranks from 2005-14.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Rob Havenstein (79) in a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images

Rams expect RT Rob Havenstein (shoulder) to return for playoffs

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Los Angeles Rams right tackle Rob Havenstein is expected to play in the wild-card playoff game against the visiting Minnesota Vikings next Monday, head coach Sean McVay said on Monday.

Havenstein hasn’t played since the Rams’ 19-9 victory over the host New York Jets on Dec. 22. He injured his shoulder in practice and missed the last two regular-season games as Los Angeles finished 10-7 and won the NFC West.

McVay said he discussed Havenstein’s health with vice president of sports medicine and performance Reggie Scott on Monday.

“(Havenstein’s) made great progress, (but) you want to make sure that you don’t leave yourself susceptible throughout the course of the week in practice to any sort of setbacks, while also making sure that you get it tested accordingly,” McVay said. “And so those will be things that we’ll be cognizant of. But, I know he’s really chopping at the bit, ready to go, ready to help lead and do his thing and play the way that he’s capable of.”

Havenstein, 32, has started all 11 games that he has played this season for 97 percent of the offensive snaps. He missed the season opener against the Detroit Lions with an ankle injury, then missed a three-game stretch in November with more ankle issues.

The Rams selected Havenstein in the second round of the 2015 NFL Draft when the franchise was in St. Louis. He has started all 141 regular-season games and all 11 playoff games that he’s played in his Rams career.

–Field Level Media

Dec 1, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws the ball as New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams (95) and defensive end Haason Reddick (7) tackle during the first quarter at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Jets All-Pro DT Quinnen Williams (hamstring) to miss start vs. Rams

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New York Jets All-Pro defensive tackle Quinnen Williams is inactive for Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Rams after missing practice all week because of a hamstring injury.

His streak will end at 34 consecutive games started and played since his last deactivation for a Dec. 18, 2022, home game against the Detroit Lions, according to the team. He was downgraded from questionable for the game in East Rutherford, N.J.

Williams, who turned 27 on Saturday, has started all 14 of New York’s games this season and has 35 tackles (eight for loss), 17 quarterback hits and six sacks.

The Jets selected Williams with the third overall pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Alabama. He has 288 career tackles (52 for loss), 97 QB hits, 39 sacks, one interception, five forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries in 88 games (84 starts).

He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2022 and 2023 and was first-team All-Pro in 2022.

The Jets (4-10) inactive list also includes safety Jaylin Simpson, offensive linemen Jake Hanson and Xavier Newman, and cornerbacks Jarrick Bernard-Converse and Michael Carter II. The latter already had been ruled out because of a back injury.

The Rams (8-6) announced their inactive players: quarterback Stetson Bennett, wide receiver Tyler Johnson, cornerback Emmanuel Forbes Jr., running back Cody Schrader, and offensive linemen Dylan McMahon and Warren McClendon Jr.

–Field Level Media

Dec 8, 2024; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) reacts after an injury during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images

Chargers QB Justin Herbert dealing with ankle injury, leg contusion

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Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert sustained two injuries — a leg contusion and an ankle issue — in their loss Sunday night to the host Kansas City Chiefs.

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh revealed the ankle injury in meeting with reporters on Wednesday. He said it is a separate ailment from the high ankle sprain that Herbert played through earlier in the season.

“I’d like to give him some rest, but you know Justin. I don’t control him,” Harbaugh said ahead of Wednesday’s team practice. “Sometimes he looks at me and he goes out there and a lot of times it’s good for him. He’s one of those type of guys where football is the treatment, is the medicine, and I get that.”

The Chargers (8-5) host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-6) on Sunday.

“He’ll be doing everything and anything in his power to play on Sunday,” Harbaugh said on Wednesday. “We’ll see about (practice) today.”

Herbert, 26, missed one play when he sustained the leg contusion near the end of the first half of the 19-17 loss to the Chiefs. Herbert said after the game that he thought he took a helmet to the knee.

He has completed 234 of 366 passes (63.9 percent) for 2,764 yards and 14 touchdowns with one interception — a league-best rate of 0.3 percent — in starting all 13 games this season.

Herbert has started all 75 games of his career since the Chargers selected him sixth overall in the 2020 NFL Draft. He has completed 66.2 percent of his passes for 19,987 yards, 128 TDs and 43 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) runs the ball as Cleveland Browns linebacker Winston Reid (59) tackles him during the second quarter at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Scott Galvin-Imagn Images

Report: Chargers expect WR Ladd McConkey, LB Khalil Mack to play vs. Ravens

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Los Angeles Chargers rookie wide receiver Ladd McConkey, listed as questionable due to a shoulder issue, is expected to play Monday night against the visiting Baltimore Ravens, NFL Network reported.

McConkey missed practice on Thursday and was limited on Friday and Saturday. Star linebacker Khalil Mack, who was questionable because of a groin injury and was a limited participant, also is expected to play, according to the report.

The Chargers (7-3) made several moves Monday ahead of the game against the Ravens (7-4), placing tight end Hayden Hurst (hip) on injured reserve, activating cornerback Deane Leonard (hamstring) off IR, signing cornerback Eli Apple from the practice to the active squad, and elevating linebacker Caleb Murphy and safety Tony Jefferson for game day.

McConkey, 23, has started nine of 10 games and has 43 receptions on 63 targets for 615 yards and four touchdowns. The Chargers drafted the 6-foot, 185-pound McConkey in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Georgia.

Mack, 33, is a three-time first-team All-Pro, an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and the 2016 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. He has started the nine games he has played and has 26 tackles and 4.5 sacks this season.

For his career, Mack has 617 tackles, 106 sacks, 141 tackles for loss, 178 quarterback hits, three interceptions — two returned for touchdowns — 32 forced fumbles and 13 fumble recoveries in 160 games (159 starts). He has played for the Raiders (2014-17), Chicago Bears (2018-21) and Chargers.

Hurst, 31, has started two of seven games in his first season with the Chargers. He has seven receptions on 12 targets for 65 yards.

A first-round pick (25th overall) by Baltimore in the 2018 NFL Draft out of South Carolina, Hurst has 202 receptions for 1,967 yards and 15 TDs in 86 games (41 starts) for the Ravens (2018-19), Atlanta Falcons (2020-21), Cincinnati Bengals (2022), Carolina Panthers (2023) and Chargers.

Apple, 29, has two tackles in three games this season, his first with the Chargers. The 10th overall selection in the 2016 draft, Apple has 383 career tackles and six interceptions in 101 games (82 starts) for the New York Giants (2016-18), New Orleans Saints (2018-19), Panthers (2020), Bengals (2021-22), Miami Dolphins (2023) and Chargers.

Leonard, who turned 25 last Tuesday, has four tackles in four games this season. His 21-day practice window on IR opened Wednesday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) scores on a 39-yard touchdown run during the fourth quarter against the Washington Commanders at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Rested Eagles take win streak into matchup with Rams

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Two of the NFC’s hottest teams meet Sunday night as the streaking Philadelphia Eagles visit the Los Angeles Rams.

The NFC East-leading Eagles (8-2) have won their past six contests, while the Rams (5-5) have won four of their past five to keep pace in a crowded NFC West.

Philadelphia enters Week 12 with the league’s No. 1 defense, allowing 273.1 yards per game, and the No. 5 offense powered by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley. Hurts has accounted for 23 touchdowns (12 passing, 11 rushing), and Barkley leads the NFL with 1,347 yards from scrimmage.

The Eagles are well-rested, as they have been idle since a 26-18 win on Nov. 14 against division rival Washington. Philadelphia held the Commanders to 264 total yards — the sixth straight game an opponent failed to gain more than 280 vs. the Eagles.

Philadelphia is also road-tested. The Eagles are 4-1 in road games, which doesn’t include their “home” win against Green Bay in Brazil to open the season. Road success is nothing new for the team, as the Eagles are 22-9 away from home in three-plus seasons under coach Nick Sirianni.

“I think the biggest thing out of all that is just having that mental toughness that everyone is going to be against you on the road,” Sirianni said this week. “Now, we travel pretty well, and I’ve been really appreciative of the Eagles fans that show up no matter where we are. But you still feel like the stadium is against you.

“It’s just an opportunity for you to unite as a team, lock arms as a team and have that mental toughness, that dawg mentality as far as understanding just play the next play, control what you can control, and unite as a team. Those are two of our big-time core values: connect and toughness. So we take pride in that. Then I just think that speaks volumes of our players and coaches that they handle that.”

The Eagles have won all three road games in the series since the Rams returned to Los Angeles in 2016, including a 23-14 victory in Week 5 last season.

“They (Eagles) are red hot,” Rams coach Sean McVay said this week. “They have played really well. They are finding their identity. They have great playmakers, coaches, and schemes. So they are checking all the boxes of what really good teams do. So, that is a great challenge. …

“We have a lot of respect for this group. But you know, these are the moments that you love as a competitor. This is what is the best part of the NFL.”

The Rams are 3-2 at home this season, losing by five to the Green Bay Packers in Week 5 and by eight to the Miami Dolphins in Week 10.

Los Angeles rebounded from the defeat to the Dolphins with a 28-22 win at New England last weekend. Matthew Stafford threw for 295 yards and four touchdowns, with Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua combining for 13 receptions, 229 yards and three scores.

Stafford has a 4-2 record in his career against the Eagles with 12 touchdown passes and one interception.

The Eagles announced Wednesday that defensive end Bryce Huff would have wrist surgery and could go on injured reserve. The team also opened the practice window for wide receiver Britain Covey (shoulder).

Hurts (ankle) was listed as limited at Wednesday’s practice. Wideout DeVonta Smith (hamstring), defensive tackle Milton Williams (foot) and linebacker Jalyx Hunt (ankle) did not participate.

For the Rams, starting right tackle Rob Havenstein (ankle) and cornerback Charles Woods (ankle) did not practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Cobie Durant (thigh), defensive tackle Neville Gallimore (neck) and offensive lineman Joe Noteboom (ankle) were limited.

–Field Level Media

Nov 10, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) drops back to pass against the Chicago Bears during the first quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike Dinovo-Imagn Images

Patriots eyeing first win streak since 2022 this week vs. Rams

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Stringing wins together has been nearly impossible for the New England Patriots for the better part of the past three seasons.

New England hasn’t posted back-to-back victories since a three-game winning streak in 2022. The Patriots will attempt to accomplish the feat on Sunday when the Los Angeles Rams roll into Foxborough, Mass.

The Patriots (3-7) suffocated the Bears last Sunday, notching a season-high nine sacks from their defense in a 19-3 win. They held Chicago to 142 yards of total offense and 1 of 14 third down conversions.

However, considering they haven’t had consecutive wins in almost two years, New England coach Jerod Mayo has made it clear to his team that it needs to play with a sense of urgency to stay in the win column.

“Big win from there, and just build on it,” Patriots quarterback Drake Maye said. “Sense of urgency, what coach Mayo is preaching. I think it starts with cleaning up from the game (last) Sunday, cleaning up some little things that I think we could have ended up being a bigger margin of victory for us, especially offensively.

“I think we’ve got another chance here at home. L.A.’s coming off a short week, so we’ve got to prepare for them. They’re good up front on defense, so we’re preparing for them.”

Los Angeles has a quicker-than-usual turnaround following a 23-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Monday night. The Rams (4-5) were never able to find the end zone, getting five field goals from Joshua Karty to at least keep the game competitive.

It marked the end of a three-game winning streak for Los Angeles, which is still within striking distance of the Arizona Cardinals (6-4) for the lead in the NFC West. Rams linebacker Jared Verse realizes that time is of the essence when it comes to making a playoff push, though.

“We can’t dwell on this (loss against Miami), ‘Oh no, woe is me,’ ” Verse said. “We have to move on.”

Verse was among the few bright spots for Los Angeles against the Dolphins. The rookie had four tackles (two for loss), one sack, one forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

Still, Verse believes he can be even better against the Patriots.

“I’ll never be satisfied with the way I play,” he said. “I think there were definitely a couple plays here and there that I could have made if I did a little bit more.”

Offensive linemen Joe Noteboom and Rob Havenstein are both dealing with ankle injuries that forced them to miss practice on Wednesday. Cornerback Charles Woods (ankle) and defensive lineman Neville Gallimore (neck) did not practice as well. Linebacker Byron Young (knee) was limited during the session.

Four Patriots players did not practice on Wednesday, including defensive end Deatrich Wise (foot) and linebacker Sione Takitaki (knee). Safety Kyle Dugger was limited by an ankle injury and tight end Hunter Henry was limited because of a foot issue.

New England and Los Angeles are facing each other for the first time since Dec. 10, 2020, when the Rams beat the Patriots 24-3.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Jameis Winston (5) throws a pass during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at Huntington Bank Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images

Browns, now in QB Jameis Winston’s hands, face stingy Chargers

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Jameis Winston was just an afterthought earlier this month when the Cleveland Browns had a full stable of quarterbacks.

But Deshaun Watson’s season-ending Achilles injury changed the dynamic and Dorian Thompson-Robinson’s injury to a throwing finger in the same Oct. 20 game fully opened the door for the 30-year-old Winston.

Winston excelled last weekend in his first start in 25-plus months. He will attempt to repeat the performance when the Browns host the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday.

Winston wiped off the cobwebs and passed for 334 yards and three touchdowns in a 29-24 home victory over the Baltimore Ravens.

The performance prompted Cleveland coach Kevin Stefanski to anoint Winston as the starter for the rest of the season.

Winston wasn’t moved, saying there is only one thing on his list of goals.

“My main focus is getting back out there and having a great practice today and continuing to lead this offense to do what we’re capable of doing,” Winston said Wednesday.

There was a time when Winston owned the keys to a franchise. He was the No. 1 overall selection of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2015 and made 70 regular-season starts over five seasons.

Results were mixed and the Buccaneers were ready to move on after Winston led the NFL in passing yardage (5,109) and interceptions (30) in the same campaign in 2019.

Winston then spent four seasons with the New Orleans Saints and started 10 games. He joined the Browns as a free agent in March, very aware that Watson would be the starter.

Now Winston will be the key figure if the underachieving Browns (2-6) are to get back into the playoff mix.

His second consecutive start comes against the Chargers (4-3), who are excelling in limiting opposing offenses. Los Angeles leads the NFL in scoring defense (13 points per game) and is eighth in total defense (305.4 yards per game).

Winston isn’t the least bit deterred.

“Our guys are physical,” Winston said. “Our guys are up for the challenge and I think that’s what football is. They got some good guys. I believe in my guys.”

The Chargers played a solid all-around game last weekend while posting a 26-8 home win over the New Orleans Saints. It was just their second victory since Sept. 15.

The scoring output matched a season high posted in Week 2 against the Carolina Panthers.

Justin Herbert passed for 279 yards and two touchdowns against the Saints after having a season-high 349 yards six days earlier in a loss to the Arizona Cardinals.

The breakout star against New Orleans was rookie receiver Ladd McConkey, who had six receptions for 111 yards and two touchdowns. McConkey is a second-round pick from Georgia.

“Any time you get in the end zone, it’s a big deal,” McConkey said. “Just glad I was able to contribute.”

Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh raves about McConkey while Herbert spots a future standout.

“He’s a complete receiver,” Herbert said. “To have that short game and intermediate routes where he’s been so good at it, especially on third downs. Now you add open up some of those go balls that you have to respect … we’ve got a true ball player on our hands.”

Chargers pass rusher Joey Bosa returned on a part-time basis against New Orleans after missing three games with a hip injury.

Bosa was limited in Wednesday’s practice. Tight ends Will Dissly (shoulder) and Stone Smartt (ankle), linebacker Denzel Perryman (toe) and cornerback Kristian Fulton (hamstring) all missed practice.

Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah (neck) will miss the contest. He was injured in Sunday’s game against the Ravens and spent the night in the hospital after being carted off the field.

Cornerback Denzel Ward (concussion) missed practice Wednesday and was termed day-by-day by Stefanski. Also missing practice were guard Joel Bitonio (foot), middle linebacker Jordan Hicks (elbow/triceps) and defensive end Za’Darius Smith (illness).

The Chargers have won the past four meetings.

–Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark (9) during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers place WR DJ Chark (hip) on injured reserve

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Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver DJ Chark will miss at least the next four games after being placed on injured reserve on Saturday.

Chark had missed the entire week of practice because of a hip injury and already was ruled out of the season opener Sunday against the visiting Las Vegas Raiders. The Chargers have a bye in Week 5 and visit the Denver Broncos on Oct. 13 in Week 6.

The Chargers had signed Chark, who turns 28 on Sept. 23, as a free agent in May after losing veterans Keenan Allen (Chicago Bears) and Mike Williams (New York Jets). Chark was listed as a starter on the depth chart along with Quentin Johnston, their top draft pick in 2023, and Joshua Palmer, a third-round selection in 2021. Los Angeles drafted Ladd McConkey in the second round in April.

Chark, 27, caught 35 passes for 525 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) last season with the Carolina Panthers.

He has 212 receptions for 3,069 yards and 23 scores in 69 games (51 starts) with the Panthers, Detroit Lions (2022) and Jacksonville Jaguars (2018-21), who drafted the 2019 Pro Bowl selection in the second round in 2018.

In a corresponding move Saturday, the Chargers signed tight end Eric Tomlinson to the active roster and also elevated linebacker Shaquille Quarterman from the practice squad for Sunday’s game.

Tomlinson, 32, has played in 85 career games (53 starts) for the New York Jets (2016-18), Oakland Raiders (2019), New England Patriots (2019), New York Giants (2019-20), Baltimore Ravens (2020-21) and Denver Broncos (2022). He has 27 receptions for 280 yards and three touchdowns. He was released by the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 27.

Quarterman, 26, played the past four seasons in Jacksonville after the Jaguars selected him in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of Miami. He has played in 63 games (no starts) and had 54 tackles and one forced fumble.

–Field Level Media

Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert (10) hands the ball off as coach Jim Harbaugh watches during organized team activities at the Hoag Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Chargers begin Jim Harbaugh era, welcome Raiders to L.A.

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Last season was good enough the Raiders asked Antonio Pierce to stay after the Los Angeles Chargers went to surprising means to secure Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach.

Pierce, the interim for the final two months last season, faces Harbaugh and the Chargers in the regular-season opener Sunday in a game each team hopes to use as a statement.

Pierce put his staff on the “Beat L.A.” assignment more than two weeks ago due to the unique situation of facing a team for the first time with a coach imported from the college ranks and myriad changes to the existing schemes.

“Just to keep pounding away on film and go back as far as we can. And you don’t want to chase ghosts, right? You don’t go back and look at the 2011 season with Harbaugh, but maybe you do,” Pierce said. “And those two gentlemen have been around each other, him and (offensive coordinator) Greg Roman. So, with any little tidbits we can do, we have a pretty good staff upstairs that does a great job of breaking down film. And then, listen, at the day, you have to make the adjustments, and the players have to be able to adapt to it.”

The Chargers enter the Harbaugh coaching era with franchise quarterback Justin Herbert returning as the centerpiece of the offense, after he recovered from recent plantar fasciitis issues. The cast of characters around him? There are changes everywhere.

Gone are offensive veterans like wide receivers Keenan Allen and Mike Williams and running back Austin Ekeler. Wide receiver Joshua Palmer is Herbert’s go-to guy now, while 2023 first-round pick Quentin Johnston and rookie Ladd McConkey look to make their mark. J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards take over at running back.

Wide receiver DJ Chark Jr. (hip), was the only Chargers player missing from practice Wednesday, while cornerback Tarheeb Still (hip) was limited.

Known for his quirks — already using birth, airplane takeoff and first-day-of school metaphors — Harbaugh simply wants the Chargers to focus on the basics.

“Just want to keep building,” Harbaugh said. “Just the idea of seeing if we can be better today than we were yesterday, better tomorrow than we were today. Just that so-simple-it-might-just-work approach. Keeping guys healthy, continuing to get bigger and stronger.”

Never one to show his hand — or his depth chart — Harbaugh gave away very little in the preseason. Fresh off a national championship at Michigan, he returns to the NFL after he guided the San Francisco 49ers to a 44-19-1 record and one Super Bowl berth from 2011-14. He accepted the offer, reportedly $16 million per year on a five-year deal valued at $80 million.

The Chargers will put pressure on opposing quarterbacks with a pair of elite edge rushers in Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack. Bosa has struggled with injuries and broke his left hand just a month ago but is set to play Sunday. Mack enters off a 17-sack season, fourth best in the league.

“If anything, it was time off the body, less stress on my legs and let some things heal up,” Bosa said about missing nearly four weeks of practice time. “Now I’m feeling ready to go.”

The Raiders head into the opener with no playoff victories since playing in the Super Bowl following the 2002 season.

Pierce took over as head coach on an interim basis last season and guided the Raiders to a 5-4 finish. Pierce officially was anointed the position in the offseason and has named Gardner Minshew II as quarterback for the opener over Aidan O’Connell.

“Gardner gives us the best opportunity to get off to a fast start,” Pierce said.

Pierce said this game isn’t about him getting the job in Las Vegas or returning home to his Los Angeles roots this week.

“We’re trying to get our first divisional win against a really good opponent, who’s going to be motivated, well coached, physical, tough. I mean, we got to bring our hard hats,” he said.

The Raiders were one of seven teams in 2023 that averaged less than 300 yards per game at 289.5 and were 23rd with 19.5 points per game. On defense, a talented front four is led by defensive end Maxx Crosby (14.5 sacks in 2023).

Crosby is the player that Herbert is thinking about most when he breaks the huddle.

“We know how talented he is, we know how talented that team is. That defense really flies around, makes a lot of plays,” Herbert said of Crosby.

Under new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, the Raiders will look to improve on an average of 90.7 rushing yards per game that was 30th in the NFL last season. With Josh Jacobs now with the Green Bay Packers, Zamir White takes over as the lead back (451 yards, one TD in 2023).

“I always say, Week 1, the opening week of the playoffs and the Super Bowl, those are different speeds of football and that shows up with the younger guys,” said Pierce. “Hopefully, we have prepped them in the way we prepare and practice.”

The Raiders were fully represented at Wednesday’s practice with tight end Brock Bowers (foot), linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (knee) and cornerback Decamerion Richardson (hamstring) all limited.

–Field Level Media