In a season already plagued by disappointments, the Las Vegas Raiders faced another blow in their Week 10 loss to the Denver Broncos, as starting right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson suffered an ankle injury that could sideline him for weeks. This setback adds to the team’s mounting woes, leaving fans wondering if the Raiders can salvage their 2-7 campaign.
Raiders’ Rocky Start to 2025
The Las Vegas Raiders kicked off the 2025 NFL season with high hopes under head coach Pete Carroll. Fans expected a turnaround after years of struggles, but reality has hit hard.
The team sits at a dismal 2-7 record, far from the contender status many predicted. Early optimism stemmed from key offseason moves, including drafting rookie running back Ashton Jeanty in the first round. Yet, the offense has sputtered, and defensive lapses have compounded the issues.
In their latest defeat, a road game against division rival Denver Broncos, the Raiders fell short in a matchup that highlighted their ongoing problems. Quarterback Geno Smith struggled, completing just 16 of 26 passes for 143 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. It was another tough outing for Smith, who has not replicated his past successes this year.
Jeanty provided a rare bright spot, rushing 19 times for 60 yards and scoring the team’s only touchdown. Still, the ground game could not overcome the passing woes.
Carroll addressed the team’s performance post-game, noting the need for better execution across the board. This loss dropped the Raiders further in the AFC West standings, making playoff hopes feel like a distant dream.
Powers-Johnson Injury Shakes Up Offensive Line
The game’s most alarming moment came early in the second quarter when Jackson Powers-Johnson, the Raiders’ starting right guard, went down with an ankle injury. He was ruled out for the rest of the matchup, and the team felt his absence immediately.
Head coach Pete Carroll confirmed the severity in his post-game press conference, stating, “He hurt his ankle. He’ll be out for a while.” This update has raised concerns among fans and analysts, as Powers-Johnson has been a steady presence on the offensive line.
Powers-Johnson, a second-year player, has anchored the right side this season, providing protection for Smith and opening lanes for Jeanty. His injury occurred on a pass play, leading to him being carted off the field. Initial reports from the game labeled him questionable before upgrading to out.
No exact timeline for his return has been announced, but sources close to the team suggest it could be an extended absence. This comes at a terrible time for an offense already ranked near the bottom of the league in yards per game.
The Raiders’ offensive line has faced challenges before, with injuries and inconsistencies plaguing the unit. Losing Powers-Johnson forces adjustments, likely shifting Dylan Parham or another backup into the starting role.
Broader Impact on Team Performance
This injury is more than a single-game issue; it exposes deeper problems in the Raiders’ 2025 season. The team has struggled to find rhythm, with Smith posting lackluster stats through nine games.
Here are some key offensive stats so far:
- Passing yards per game: 185 (28th in NFL)
- Rushing yards per game: 102 (22nd in NFL)
- Points per game: 17.4 (29th in NFL)
These numbers paint a picture of an underperforming unit. Jeanty, despite his rookie status, has shown promise with consistent carries, but the line’s health is crucial for his success.
Defensively, the Raiders have allowed over 25 points per game, adding pressure on an offense that cannot keep up. Carroll, known for his defensive expertise from past roles, has emphasized rebuilding the unit, but results have been slow to show.
Fans have voiced frustration on social media, pointing to poor play-calling and execution as root causes. The Broncos loss, where Denver controlled the clock and limited big plays, exemplified these ongoing issues.
One positive note is the emergence of young talent like Jeanty, who could become a cornerstone if given better support.
Looking Ahead: Challenges and Potential Turnaround
With Powers-Johnson’s status uncertain, the Raiders must adapt quickly for upcoming games. Their schedule includes tough opponents, testing the depth of the roster.
Carroll remains optimistic, stressing team resilience in his comments. “We have to fight through this,” he said, hinting at potential lineup changes to bolster the line.
Analysts suggest this could be a turning point, forcing the team to evaluate trades or free-agent options before the deadline. However, with a 2-7 record, the focus might shift to building for 2026.
The injury also highlights the physical toll of the NFL, where one play can alter a season’s trajectory. For Powers-Johnson, a full recovery is key, as ankle issues can linger if not managed properly.
As the Raiders limp through 2025, this latest hurdle underscores the gap between preseason hype and on-field reality. From a promising start to a string of losses, the season has tested the resolve of players, coaches, and fans alike. Yet, in the unpredictable world of football, a spark of hope remains—perhaps a midseason rally or the return of key players like Powers-Johnson could reignite the fire. What do you think about the Raiders’ chances of turning things around? Share your thoughts and pass this article along to fellow fans on social media.
