Oakland Raiders Suffer Tough Injury Hit Ahead of Bears Game

The Oakland Raiders came to London knowing the difficult task ahead of them. If they wanted to win the game, they'd need a good performance against the Chicago Bears defense. Unfortunately, that is looking more and more like it's too much to ask of their offense. Not because it's impossible but because they are running out of viable options to attack with. This became the case when it was revealed wide receiver Tyrell Williams is unlikely to play due to a foot injury.

The free agent acquisition was proving to be everything the Raiders had hoped for. He ranked second on the team with 216 yards and led everybody with four touchdowns. In fact, he was responsible for all but two of Derek Carr's touchdown passes this season. Suffice to say, him not being able to go in this game is a gigantic loss. Their options at wide receiver now fall to veteran JJ Nelson, who himself isn't 100% and rookie Hunter Renfrow.

This puts even more pressure on tight Darren Waller and running back Josh Jacobs to pick up the slack. Keeping in mind the Raiders offense wasn't overly great even with Williams available, ranking 21st in the NFL through the opening month of the season. One thing that Bears defense doesn't need is extra advantages.

Oakland Raiders need the Bears to have an off day

This is not to say the loss suddenly hands the Bears a win. That is not the case. Plenty of things can go into helping Oakland pull off a victory. However, the reality is their offense appears even more overmatched than it was before. If the Bears defense plays like it did against Minnesota last week, it's hard to imagine the Raiders having any more success against them than the Vikings. What they really need is for that defense to come out flat and complacent.

That doesn't seem likely though. Khalil Mack is leading them and he's made it clear how much this game means to him. Odds are he'll be fired up from the first snap, and the rest of the defense will follow his lead. Carr will need to play a nearly flawless game if he's to get his team out of there with a win.