LB sits Thursday

Raiders LB Nick Kwiatkoski missed practice Thursday with the pectoral injury that knocked him out of Sunday's win over the Panthers. Kwiatkoski avoided tearing the muscle, but it's not yet clear how long the team expects him to be out -- or whether he'll miss any games. We'll keep an eye on the starter-level IDP option.

The Raiders on Wednesday placed LB Nick Kwiatkoski on the COVID list. It's not yet clear whether he tested positive or was merely a close contact, but that probably doesn't matter just 3 days away from Saturday night's clash with the Dolphins. No Kwiatkoski should mean more playing time for LB Cory Littleton. Nicholas Morrow also figures to get a boost in tackle upside, assuming he's ready to return from his concussion.

Raiders LB Nick Kwiatkoski (pectoral) is active for today’s game against the Bills. He should step back into the role Nicholas Morrow has been filling. Kwiatkoski is just a middling IDP option against a Buffalo offense that has gone pass-happy this season, though.

Raiders LB Nick Kwiatkoski returned for limited practices Wednesday and Thursday, his 1st action since straining a pectoral muscle early in the season opener. DC Paul Guenther indicated there's a chance Kwiatkoski could return for Sunday's game against the Bills, according to News 3 in Las Vegas. If he does, expect Nicholas Morrow to return to a reserve role. Whoever plays at LB for the Raiders this week will face a Buffalo offense whose suddenly pass-happy approach has meant fewer points for opponent LBs through the 1st 3 weeks.

Raiders LB Nick Kwiatkoski left Sunday's game against the Panthers with a pectoral injury and has been ruled out for the rest of the day. If the injury turns out to be a tear, Kwiatkoski's season would likely be over. We'll watch for updates on his status.

The Raiders have agreed to a 3-year, $21 million deal with LB Nick Kwiatkoski. The former Bear started 8 games for Chicago last season, filling in for each of the team's ILB starters at different points. He steps into a starting job in an Oakland LB corps with lots of tackles available. Tahir Whitehead is gone after leading the team with 108 tackles (79 solo) last season.