Abram on IR; Raiders activate CB

The Raiders have placed S Johnathan Abram on IR for his season-ending left shoulder injury that will require surgery. Dallin Leavitt made his 1st NFL start in Abram's place Sunday against the Broncos, collecting just a single assist. The Raiders have also activated CB Nate Hobbs from the COVID list. His role could increase this week, depending on who else does or doesn't make it back from the COVID list in the Vegas secondary.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reports that the Raiders are releasing S Johnathan Abram. It's a surprising move, given that Abram has just a half-season left on his rookie contract. The former 1st-round pick has been rumored to be on the trading block since at least this past offseason. He remained a starter through the first 6 games of this season. That playing time fell off the past 2 games, though. Abram will now be free to find a new team, while the Raiders move forward with Duron Harmon and Trevon Moehrig as the starters.

Raiders S Johnathan Abram (illness) and LB Divine Deablo (back, ankle) are questionable for Sunday's game against the Saints. Abram put in limited practices Thursday and Friday after sitting out Wednesday. Deablo managed only a limited Friday and doesn't look like a great bet for fantasy football lineups. Denzel Perryman would likely lead LB playing time for the Raiders if Deablo can't go. LB Jason Brown is also ready to return after missing last week with a hamstring injury.

The Raiders have declined the 5th-year option on the rookie contracts of both S Johnathan Abram and DE Clelin Ferrell. The decision on Ferrell is certainly no surprise, given that the former #4 overall pick played his way out of the starting lineup. Abram has fared better, and perhaps he's a candidate to re-sign with a good 2022. But the fact that Vegas declined the options on all 3 first-rounders from that 1st draft of the Mike Mayock era underscores that the team has new leadership. If Abram does hit the open market after the coming season, we'd bet on him landing at least an opportunity to fight for a starting job elsewhere -- barring a poor final performance with the Raiders, of course.

Raiders S Johnathan Abram left Monday night's game at Cleveland in the 2nd half with a shoulder injury. He's officially questionable to return.