GameDay Preview: Packers vs Raiders

           

            There are a lot of storylines heading into Monday night football between the Packers and the Raiders. From key injuries, two brothers playing against each other, and a coach who some would say should’ve won the coaching job in Las Vegas a couple years ago.

            All these stories make for an interesting game between the Packers and the Raiders. To start off the preview, let’s dive into the injury report heading into MNF.

Final Packers injury report for #GBVSLVR. Of note for the Raiders, Davante Adams practiced today and is listed as Questionable. pic.twitter.com/L9F9PIUx1u

— Aaron Nagler (@AaronNagler) October 7, 2023           

            The Packers have a huge boost coming their way with the full return of two high-caliber players, Rashan Gary and Elgton Jenkins. Gary was not listed on the injury report after two weeks and should be fully cleared for this game, while Jenkins was limited all week but does not have an injury designation. John Runyan was also listed without status which is another great sign for the Packers offensive line.

            The Packers, however, aren't quite free from the injury bug yet. Four other players are listed as questionable for this game. Jaire Alexander, Rudy Ford, Eric Stokes, and Aaron Jones are all listed as questionable ahead of Monday night. The Packers will be without starting linebacker and leader De’Vondre Campbell as well.

 The injuries to the secondary are not exciting, especially with Davante Adams on the other side of the ball who is also listed as questionable for this game. As a football fan, it would be pretty upsetting if we don’t get to see a Jaire vs Davante matchup in a real game. Hopefully both these guys are ready to go come game time.

Jaire Alexander on facing his former Packers teammate Davante Adams:

"I wouldn't say it's like the Super Bowl or the playoffs, but it's kind of like that."
"It's pretty evident he's the best." pic.twitter.com/kWiyz6xXa1

— Adriana Torres (@TorresAdrianaTV) October 5, 2023

            Another significant storyline leading into this game is Rich Bisaccia’s return to his previous team, the Raiders. Bisaccia previously served as the interim head coach for the Raiders following the departure of John Gruden. After the Gruden scandal, Bisaccia played a pivotal role in uniting the Raiders and earned the affection of their fans by securing a playoff spot in the final game of the 2021 season. Despite achieving a commendable interim record of 7-5, he did not ultimately land the full-time head coaching position with the Raiders and was picked up by the Packers to improve their special teams unit that struggled from the previous season.

            This game also features the intriguing matchup of two kickers who happen to be brothers. Daniel and Anders Carlson will go head-to-head, adding a unique sibling battle dynamic to the game.

            The Packers are currently listed as visiting team underdogs to the Raiders who are listed as two-point favorites in this game. With the return of key players for the Packers, it’s a little surprising to see them not as the favorite in this game. The Packers have struggled to run the football early, but this matchup against the Raiders is more than friendly as the Raiders have given up the 8^th most rush yards so far this season.

            The Packers have a chance to get a nice win on the road against the Raiders before heading into an early bye week. A win against the Raiders could give momentum to this young team heading into the remainder of the season.

            Real Packer Fans Know🧀

            UPDATE: Jaire Alexander is active for the game. Aaron Jones is ruled out.