The Raiders’ starting off-ball linebackers consisted of Elandon Roberts, Devin White and Germaine Pratt. However, things went astray early with Roberts suffering an elbow injury in the first half.
White stepped over to MIKE linebacker and delivered, leading the Raiders in solo tackles (eight) along with an 83.9 tackling grade from Pro Football Focus.
“He was a hammer. He looked good,” Carroll said about White. “I was really excited that his presence was so obvious. He’s had a couple years where his game hasn’t been at that level that he played at yesterday, and so, he’s just getting going and had fun playing. He handled a lot of communication, and he hit the heck out of it. That was really encouraging, really fired up for him.”
Along with White, linebackers Tommy Eichenberg and Jamal Adams stepped in and played a big part in the second half. The two linebackers combined for 39 reps, with Adams recording three solo tackles and a quarterback hit. His 90.9 defensive grade from Pro Football Focus was also the highest of any Raider from Week 1.
“Tommy was the one that had to answer the call because he came in [for Roberts],” Carroll said. “Jamal was in and out of the game anyway as we were rotating him through. I thought Tommy did a really good job of jumping out there, communicating, doing right, picking up and not letting that be a factor. Jamal played a nice game too. He was active and moving around. But I really credit Tommy with coming off the bench. It’s hard to do that and play as actively as he did.”
Pete Carroll addressed Roberts injury status before Thursday’s practice saying, “he’s not looking at this game like he can’t play.” However if he’s unable to suit up, it’s presumptive Eichenberg and Adams will step into larger roles to complement White and Pratt.
Inside sources describe Bowers’ injury as “something the team is managing carefully.” Translation: they’re worried, but not panicking — yet. Bowers has been the offense’s safety net, a mismatch nightmare who stretches defenses vertically and opens lanes for the run game. His absence could shrink the Raiders’ playbook dramatically. As one team staffer put it, “When he’s on the field, defenses hesitate. Without him, they attack.”
On defense, Elandon Roberts’ potential absence cuts deeper than numbers. The veteran is the kind of player whose voice carries — the one who slaps helmets before third downs and rallies teammates after blown plays. Losing him for a high-stakes primetime game isn’t just tactical — it’s emotional. “He’s our anchor,” defensive end Maxx Crosby admitted after Friday’s practice. “When he’s not out there, you feel it.”
Fans have flooded social media with concern and speculation, tracking every insider tweet and injury report. “No Bowers, no Roberts — that’s a nightmare before kickoff,” wrote one fan. But others see it differently. “This is when we find out who we are,” replied another. That sentiment seems to echo what Antonio Pierce has been preaching since day one: resilience over panic, grit over fear.
If Bowers can’t go, expect the Raiders to lean heavier on Jakobi Meyers and Davante Adams — a veteran duo capable of shouldering the offensive load. Tight end Michael Mayer, too, could find himself thrust into a breakout role. On defense, look for rookie linebacker Amari Burney to get expanded snaps — a baptism by fire under the bright lights.
This game could be a defining moment for Pierce’s young tenure. Coaches talk about “culture” all the time, but culture isn’t tested in blowouts — it’s tested in moments like this, when uncertainty and doubt creep in before the first whistle.
As Sunday night approaches, there’s both anxiety and anticipation in Las Vegas. The players know the eyes of the nation will be on them. Whether it’s with Bowers and Roberts or without them, this matchup will reveal something deeper — not just about talent, but about heart.
For a team that’s trying to shake off years of inconsistency, that might be exactly the kind of challenge they need.
