The Las Vegas Raiders already had their work cut out ahead of a Week 11 showdown with Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs.

But the challenge has doubled after the majority of the starting defense drew the “close contact” designation for COVID-19.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports at least eight defensive starters will not practice, with some only eligible to return on Sunday, at the earliest. Of course, all of the players are in danger of not playing should they fail to register consecutive negative tests.

This Raiders news comes after the NFL said it was requiring all teams to enter “intensive protocol,” which NFL.com columnist Judy Battista detailed earlier Wednesday afternoon:

That calls for, among other restrictions, all players and coaches must have a negative from the previous day's testing before entering the facility, in addition to regular daily PCR testing, all meetings being held virtually unless they can be held outdoors or indoors with a pre-approved plan, and for face masks being worn at all times at the facility, including on the practice field by all personnel. All meals must be served in grab and go style to prevent people from congregating in meal rooms. Locker room use is strongly discouraged on non-game days.

Battista also noted the new mandate prohibits player or team gatherings away from their respective facilities.

The Raiders got in trouble for such a gathering earlier this year, with multiple positives stemming from a charity event held by tight end Darren Waller. Head coach Jon Gruden has also received multiple fines for failing to wear and improperly wearing a mask on the sidelines. The team even lost a draft pick for violations.

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Now, Vegas faces more issues. Everything has to go right just for these defensive starters to play on Sunday against the Chiefs.

UPDATE: The members of the Raiders joining the reserve/COVID-19 list have been revealed, per Rapoport.