Raiders place Henry Ruggs on COVID-19 list as season hangs in balance

In a must-win weekend, can the Las Vegas Raiders win without their speedy weapon? 

Three weeks ago, the Las Vegas Raiders were sitting at 6-3, looking like the team that could blow up the playoffs if they faced the Kansas City Chiefs for a third time.

If not for a cover zero blitz in the Big Apple, they’d be on a four-game losing streak. Entering a must-win situation Thursday night against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Raiders will need to keep their foot on the gas pedal and go full speed into Week 15.

So what happens now that their speed threat is out?

According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, the Raiders will place rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs on the COVID-19/reserve list Tuesday afternoon. He will be out for the AFC West showdown and perhaps a while longer.

Ruggs, who was the first receiver selected in the highly-touted pass-catcher class, has been flashy as a vertical option for Derek Carr and Jon Gruden’s offense. Who could forget his 46-yard grab against the other Lamar Jackson that kept the Raiders’ season alive?

In 11 games, the Alabama product has produced 23 catches for 414 yards and two touchdowns. The one positive in his overall campaign is he’s currently showing off that deep threat presence, averaging 18 yards per catch.

Can the Raiders survive without Ruggs?

Ruggs’ vertical presence is nice, but it’s also rarely been used since Week 12. More often than not, Las Vegas relies on dump passes to star tight end Darren Waller and free-agent gem Nelson Agholor. In their 44-27 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, Agholor finished with five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown.

The Raiders’ real concerns are on defense. The team recently fired coordinator Paul Guenther following a horrific end to Sunday’s outing at home. Currently, Las Vegas ranks 30th in points allowed (30.1) and 30th in sacks (15).

Las Vegas will close its season out with games against the Chargers, Miami Dolphins and Denver Broncos. The Broncos are coming off their best offensive outing against the Carolina Panthers in the Queen City. Meanwhile, either the Dolphins or Raiders could be knocked out of the AFC postseason picture with a loss in Week 16.

The good news for the Raiders is Los Angeles is known for blowing leads late. While they won’t have the speed, they could have luck on their side to save their season another week.