The Las Vegas Raiders are feeling high after winning their opener over the Denver Broncos. However, the 17-16 win was almost marred by what looked like a potentially serious injury to wide receiver Jakobi Meyers late in the fourth quarter.
Meyers took a hit from Broncos defensive back Kareem Jackson and required assistance getting off the field. Early signs are that he’s dealing with a concussion and is undergoing evaluation, according to a post on X by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
#Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers is being evaluated for a concussion after that late, penalty-inducing hit.
And ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez reported that Meyers “was upright in locker room so that’s a good sign.”
On a third-and-7 play from the Raiders’ 44-yard line with 3 minutes to go in the fourth quarter, Meyers caught a short pass over the middle and was dropped by Jackson just past the 50-yard line. Meyers appeared to get hit in the head and remained motionless for several moments before getting to his feet and leaving the game. Jackson was flagged for unnecessary roughness, a 15-yard penalty that helped Las Vegas seal the win.
Damn, this was bad.. #Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers went down after taking a hit to his head, played gathered around him as he stayed on the field.
After the game, Jackson indicated concern for Meyers.
“I just want to say I hope he’s alright. Obviously we don’t play this game to hurt guys,” he said, according to a post on X by The Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel. “It’s a tough sport we play. … Unfortunately stuff like that happens. Definitely sending my thoughts and prayers to him.”
#Raiders WR Jakobi Meyers being evaluated for a concussion. Was upright in locker room so that’s a good sign.
Jakobi Meyers Has Excellent Las Vegas Raiders Debut
It’s unfortunate that Jakobi Meyers couldn’t finish the game for the Raiders as he was arguably the team’s biggest standout. He led Las Vegas with nine receptions, 81 yards and two touchdowns. With Davante Adams being followed by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain all game, Meyers was Jimmy Garoppolo’s favorite target in the passing game.
He’s clearly going to play a key role in the offense as Hunter Renfrow didn’t register a single target in the entire game. Losing Meyers for any amount of time would be a blow to the offense. He’ll be a player to watch as he’ll have to pass the NFL’s concussion protocol this week before he’s cleared to play against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2.
Las Vegas Raiders Are 1st Place in AFC West
The Kansas City Chiefs, Los Angeles Chargers and Broncos all lost in Week 1 so that means the Raiders sit atop the AFC West for now. It’s just one game but this is about as good of a start as Las Vegas could have to the season.
Week 1 was a sloppy affair. The Raiders committed 10 penalties for 97 yards and Jimmy Garoppolo threw a red zone interception. There’s a lot to clean up but this is a good start. The Raiders have a tough game on the road against the Bills next week. It’s hard to see how they win that game but the Week 3 home opener against the Pittsburgh Steelers looks much more winnable after they lost 30-7 to the San Francisco 49ers.
A 2-1 star would be great for the Raiders as there was a real chance they could’ve been 0-3. The defense was a big surprise as they only allowed 16 points. If they can limit the mistakes and capitalize on some more turnovers, the Raiders may actually be a playoff contender. There are still 16 games left to be played but Las Vegas proved they aren’t going to be an easy win for teams this season. The Raiders’ schedule gets easier as the season goes on so getting off to a good start to the season is a big deal.
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Raiders Receive Word on Starting WR’s Injury Status After Scary Play: Report