The Raiders are optimistic that their offensive line (sans Trent Brown) will be able to return by Sunday. The unit had come in close contact with Brown, who tested positive with the virus on Monday. They are on their way to clearing the protocols by Saturday evening and should be eligible for the game.
However, starting strong safety Johnathan Abram will miss the upcoming game as he had direct contact with Brown on Tuesday. According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Abram will not be able to clear all the necessary protocols in time for the team’s Week 7 matchup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
While the #Raiders O-linemen on the COVID-19 list because they are high-risk close contacts have a chance to play Sunday, sources say that star S Johnathan Abram does not. He’s listed as having contact with Trent Brown on Tuesday & wouldn’t be cleared in time.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 23, 2020
Abram should be back for Week 8 when the team travels to Cleveland to take on the Browns, but not having him in the lineup this week could prove to be costly. Look for veterans Erik Harris and Jeff Heath to start at safety for the Raiders in replace of Abram.
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