Oakland Raiders: The Good, The Bad, And The Ugly Vs. Ravens

The Bad: The Injury Bug Bites Hard

Oakland’s offensive line has already been bit hard by the injury bug this season. A rash of injuries to key linemen has prompted a lot of shuffling and juggling along the line. But they’ve managed to handle it beautifully.

Now comes word that in the wake of the Baltimore game, Oakland has again, been bitten by the injury bug. Tight end Lee Smith and linebacker Ben Heeney were both hurt during the game and both are more likely than not, lost for the season.

The biggest blow has to be losing Smith to a broken leg – an injury thaat may require surgery. As the team’s primary blocking tight end, Smith was incredibly effective. He didn’t catch many balls – though Carr seemed to be targeting more frequently this season – but his strength was in holding that line.

Smith’s injury leaves a gaping void at the tight end spot. At least, as far as blocking goes. Clive Walford and Mychal Rivera are – for the most part – both solid options in pass catching duties. Bu where their games lack is in their blocking duties.

It’s a bad break for a team that needs all of the big, physical bodies on the line that they can muster.

Ben Heeney’s ankle injury is going to keep him out for the year as well. Though Heeney had been expected to step up and take on the middle linebacker duties this season, he became something of a liability on the field. Especially in pass coverage.

Heeney lost the green dot on his helmet and soon after, lost his starting spot to rookie Cory James. But he is still a high motor guy that can bring a lot of energy and was still being counted on to provide some solid rotational depth. His loss leaves an already thin situation at inside linebacker even thinner.