As the NFL and NFLPA were discussing options for postponing games for Week 15, the Las Vegas Raiders were waiting to board a plane to fly to Cleveland for Saturday’s game. The Raiders’ flight was one of the factors in the timing of the decision for the postponements. The NFL and NFLPA did not want them to board the plane if changes were possible.
Now that we have multiple reports that the two teams will not face off until Monday at 5 PM, as well as two other games likely being changed, the Raiders will return home and fly out, most likely, on Sunday. K.J. Wright, the former Seattle star linebacker, is not happy about the postponement:
I pay my player dues just to get lied to and the rules bent! @NFL @NFLPA
If it was the other way around I swear we would be playing tomorrow
— KJ (@KJ_WRIGHT34) December 17, 2021
Wright’s frustration is understandable as Las Vegas holds on to slim hopes for a playoff birth and was scheduled to play a very limited team due to COVID-19 losses. Interesting that he believes the NFL and NFLPA showed some kind of favoritism toward the Browns with the decision despite two other games also being moved.
The postponed game doesn’t guarantee Cleveland will have any of their players back from the reserve/COVID-19 list. Wright and the Raiders still may have a chance versus a gutted roster but the postponement will help the Browns be prepared and hopefully get a few players back.