The Raiders made DE Clelin Ferrell inactive for the Monday-night game against Baltimore. Vegas' signing of DE Carl Nassib and then DE Yannick Ngakoue to sizable contracts the past 2 offseasons pointed to dissatisfaction with the position group. But this is a noteworthy step because the Raiders drafted Ferrell 4th overall just 3 years ago. Consider Ngakoue, Maxx Crosby and Carl Nassib locked in as the Raiders' top 3 edge players heading into the opener.

The Raiders have ruled out defensive starters S Johnathan Abram (concussion), LB Nicholas Morrow (concussion), DE Clelin Ferrell (shoulder) and CB Damon Arnette (concussion, neck) for Thursday night’s game against the Chargers. That obviously enhances an already favorable matchup for a struggling Chargers offense. We’ll see if Anthony Lynn & Co. allow Justin Herbert’s crew to take advantage

The Raiders could be without DE Clelin Ferrell, LB Nicholas Morrow and S Johnathan Abram when they play the Chargers on Thursday night. Morrow and Abram each left in the 4th quarter of Sunday's game with concussions. HC Jon Gruden said Monday they're in the concussion protocol. The short turnaround for Week 15 makes them unlikely to be ready. Ferrell left in the 1st quarter with a left-shoulder injury. Gruden also said it will be "tough" for Ferrell to make it back for Thursday night, according to SB Nation's Bill Williamson. We'll keep an eye on their statuses, but plan to have none of the 3 available for IDP use. Ferrell's absence would likely mean starter-level snaps for Arden Key, after DE Carl Nassib was a healthy scratch the past 2 weeks. Morrow's absence should mean a playing-time boost for disappointing LB Cory Littleton. Dallin Leavitt looks like the fill-in for Abram, with Jeff Heath's concussion having landed him on IR Saturday. The Raiders also might continue to miss starting CB Damon Arnette (concussion).

The Raiders delivered the 1st surprise of the 2019 NFL Draft by taking Clemson DE Clelin Ferrell with the 4th overall pick. Ferrell enjoyed a highly productive college career, racking up 12.5, 18.0 and 20.0 tackles for loss over the past 3 years. That included 6.0, 9.5 and 11.5 sacks. Ferrell skipped the 40-yard dash at the Scouting Combine and then didn't work out at Clemson's pro day because of a toe injury. His 7.26-second 3-cone drill at the combine was just 42nd percentile for his position. A weak Oakland defense presents opportunity for Ferrell to start right away.