Make it two starting linebackers who will miss the Raiders’ game against the Dolphins Saturday. Thursday the team placed outside linebacker Nicholas Morrow on the reserve/COVID-19 list, joining middle linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski.
This leaves just Cory Littleton as the lone remaining regular starter on the field for the Raiders.
The team was already expected to give Raekwon McMillan the start with Kwiatkoski out, now they must dig deeper to replace Morrow as well.
The only other linebacker on the roster currently is special teams captain Kyle Wilber. They also have two linebacker on the practice squad in Javin White and James Onwualu.
White in particular has been elevated several times this season from the practice squad, including last week against the Chargers, though he didn’t play any defensive snaps in the game. In fact, the UNLV alum played just one snap on defense all season. It was their Las Vegas home opener in week two against the Saints. His 30 other snaps were all on special teams.
Jon Gruden also announced that safety Erik Harris will not be available for Saturday. Harris was placed on the list on Monday, joining fellow defensive back Daryl Worley.