Wednesday’s practice was fairly shorthanded for the Raiders in terms of one phase of the game — special teams. The team was without its special teams captain Alec Ingold (knee), leading tackler Nick Kwiatkoski (ankle), third leading tackler Tyree Gillespie (hamstring), and kick returner Jalen Richard (ribs).
Ingold suffered an apparent ACL injury in Sunday’s game against the Chiefs and is expected to be out an extended period of time. Gillespie was placed on injured reserve today with his hamstring injury, putting him out at least three weeks.
Cornerbacks Keisean Nixon and Amik Robertson also play a good amount on special teams and both missed practice Wednesday.
Among those missing practice today for #Raiders include FB Alec Ingold (knee), LB Nick Kwiatkoski (ankle), CB Keisean Nixon (ankle/foot), RB Jalen Richard (ribs), and CB Amik Robertson (hip). pic.twitter.com/CUg3tK8nY9
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) November 17, 2021
Usually injuries to players who aren’t regular starters doesn’t move the needle, but special teams is important. And missing this many key special teams players could bite them on short notice. It’s one of those areas where you only seem to really notice it when things go really right or really wrong.
