A Michael Crabtree injury update brings some bad news for Oakland Raiders fans. A report by ESPN states that Crabtree is no longer expected to play in Week 4 against the Denver Broncos. Crabtree was injured against the Washington Redskins in Week 3 and had been listed as questionable on the Raiders’ injury report, but his condition has since been downgraded by the team.
The Raiders vs. Broncos game is an important one, as it will have a huge impact on how the AFC West turns out this season. Not having Crabtree on the field is going to have a huge impact on the offense for the Raiders, as he has become one of quarterback Derek Carr’s favorite targets.
Carr will have to spread the ball around to other receivers, though, and hope that Crabtree isn’t lost for a significant length of time.
How has Crabtree performed during the 2017 NFL season?
Through three games this season, Michael Crabtree had 13 catches for 170 yards and three touchdowns. He had a really rough game against the Washington Redskins, though, accounting for just one catch and seven total yards. It was a far cry from the 80 yards and three touchdowns he had against the New York Jets in the prior week. Those are the numbers that Oakland Raiders fans and fantasy football owners had come to expect from Crabtree.
Derek Carr and the offense is going to have to rely more heavily on receiver Amari Cooper, tight end Jared Cook, and running back Marshawn Lynch against the Denver Broncos.
That’s not a terrible position to be in, as Carr also has a really good offensive line ready to protect him as well. Losing Crabtree could hinder the offense, but they are too good to be ruled out of any game.
Raiders are tied for second place in AFC West
In the very early 2017 NFL standings, the Oakland Raiders are tied with the Denver Broncos (2-1) for second place in the AFC West.
The 3-0 Kansas City Chiefs hold down first place, with the team scoring 93 points already this season. The Raiders have two games against the Chiefs later this season, but still need to take care of business against the Broncos if they want another divisional title.
Michael Crabtree is one of several wide receivers who have suffered bad injuries this season.
Davante Adams of the Green Bay Packers was hurt during Thursday night football and Odell Beckham Jr. of the New York Giants has been banged up as well. The Oakland Raiders training staff hopes that Crabtree won’t be sidelined too long with the chest injury he is dealing with, but he officially doubtful to play on Oct. 1 against the Broncos.
