The Oakland Raiders have been feeling the loss of Tyrell Williams after sidelined for their Week 5 matchup with the Chicago Bears.
Oakland is currently dealing with a myriad of injuries to their wide receivers and was forced to trade for Zay Jones to add some depth to the position. Make no mistake, when Williams returns, he will assume the number one role he left behind.
With Raiders fans hoping Williams could make his return this week in Green Bay, the scenario seems iffy with Williams failing to be a full participant in Monday's practice. The Raiders are holding their cards close to the chest as they have yet to release an injury report that indicates what Williams' status will be against the Packers.
When healthy, Williams can be a dynamic receiving threat who can go up and snag 50/50 balls with his 6'4 frame. Averaging 12.7 yards per catch, Williams has been Oakland's deep ball threat and really their only established receiver. He has also caught a touchdown pass in every game he has played so far, meaning quarterback Derek Carr is often looking his way.
Although Green Bay's secondary is established and respectable, if Williams does take the field it could be a long day for Packers cornerbacks. Green Bay does not list a cornerback that stands taller than 6'0, meaning that Williams will have a significant height advantage against their defensive backs. Those 50/50 balls that Williams is so good at hauling in are going to be plentiful for the receiver.
The Detroit Lions were able to move the ball effectively against Green Bay with short-yardage passes between the linebackers and safeties. Williams is capable of running the same short-yardage crossing patterns we saw from Lions receivers.
The Raiders will be forced to include Williams in an offense that ranks in the bottom 10 in receiving yards per game. Given that he is the team's most accomplished and dynamic receiver, they will have to find ways to get him the ball.
There is no doubt that if Williams plays, he will get a substantial target share in Oakland's offense. Their receiving core will feature the recently added Jones as the team's most proven receiving threat if Williams does not take the field.
Coming off of a big-time win in London and a bye, the Raiders should feel confident about where they are as a team, but that confidence will rise if Tyrell Williams suits up.
Follow Us
Subscribe