Raiders Open Practice Window For Returning Tight End

The Las Vegas Raiders have opened up a 21-day practice window for tight end Carter Runyon as he returns from injured reserve, according to a report from injured reserve, according to a report from Charean Williams of Pro Football Talk. 

Runyon’s designated return day was Wednes day, per Williams via the team, and the Raiders can now activate him any time in the next 21 days. Runyon went on injured reserve on Aug. 30 with an undisclosed injury after not playing in the preseason.

Assuming Runyon can continue to practice, he’ll likely serve as a backup piece behind fellow tight ends Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas. 

Bowers has been banged up after undergoing knee surgery, so having another player to help lower his snap count or give him additional rest would definitely be good to have, although the Raiders can ill-afford to have Bowers out of the lineup for more than a snap here and there. 

Runyon is also a former offensive lineman who could help in the running game, which is a point of emphasis this week as the Raiders prepare to host the Buffalo Bills at Allegiant Stadium on Sunday. The Raiders started out the season running the ball effectively, but the run game has virtually disappeared for the last few weeks. 

They’ll need it against the Bills. The Raiders are seriously outmatched in this game, and their one hope is to control the clock to keep the ball out of the hands of Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen. 

The Raiders also got some news about Buffalo’s injury situation, per a separate report from Williams. The Bills haven’t ruled anyone out, but they have listed five players as questionable.

Two are key players, as wide receiver DJ Moore (shoulder) and defensive lineman Ed Oliver (knee) both returned to limited work on Friday, although they’re still listed as questionable. Moore and Oliver were inactive for the Bills’ Week 5 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.

Wide receiver Joshua Palmer (shoulder) and cornerback Dee Alford (ankle) had their third consecutive limited practice and are also questionable. Defensive lineman T.J. Sanders (shoulder) was a full participant after two limited practices, with Williams noting that he’s trending toward playing despite a questionable designation.

The Bills come in at 4-1 with the Raiders currently at 3-2, and it’s a big game for both teams. Las Vegas needs a win to stay over .500, while the Bills have a one-game lead over the New England Patriots in the AFC East.