The Oakland Raiders flew into Minnesota with five healthy linebackers on the roster – they left with two.
Throughout the course of Sunday's 34-14 loss to the Vikings, the Silver and Black's linebacking corps saw nearly half of its active members go down with some type of health ailment – Marquel Lee only played five snaps before his day was cut short with an ankle injury, and both Vontaze Burfict and Nicholas Morrow were limited in their availability as well.
Veteran Tahir Whitehead was the only Raiders' linebacker to play a majority of the snaps at U.S. Bank Stadium – his 59 defensive reps were the most of any player on Paul Guenther's defense except Karl Joseph – and during his Monday afternoon press conference, Head Coach Jon Gruden gave an update on where the team stood at that position in particular.
"We have a few injuries," said Gruden. "Some of the players are still getting examined, so I can't be totally specific, but our linebacking corps – we suffered some injuries yesterday. Burfict with an elbow, Nick Morrow, Marquel Lee with ankles. Trent Brown left the game again yesterday with an ankle, got a number of players that are still being evaluated."
The totality of the group's status will likely become clearer as the week progresses, but regardless of who's able to go or not Sunday afternoon in Indianapolis, Gruden, General Manager Mike Mayock and their respective staffs will do their due diligence in putting together a plan of how to navigate the roster.
"We'll bring in some players to look at from other teams that are available, and monitor the health of our players," Gruden explained. "There's a chance a couple of them can play and practice, and perform in Indianapolis on Sunday, but as a contingency plan, we'll certainly look at some available linebackers."
And while there are still six days until the Silver and Black kick off Week 4 action in Indy, Gruden is acutely aware of the problems that an unhealthy linebacking corps could present.
"You get worried when you have three of your linebackers come out of a game," he said. "Yeah, I'm a little concerned to say the least. Mike Mayock and his staff are working hard to come up with a contingency plan if we need to find a linebacker."
Outside of Burfict, Lee, Morrow and Whitehead, Kyle Wilber is the only other linebacker currently on the roster.
He played 19 snaps against the Vikings.
Take a look at the top photos from the Raiders' matchup against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
A Raiders helmet at the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden on the sidelines before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) warming up before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) warming up before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) on the sidelines before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) and tackle Kolton Miller (74) on the sidelines before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders safety Lamarcus Joyner (29) on the sidelines before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Oakland Raiders huddle up before their regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) and tight end Darren Waller (83) on the sidelines before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Oakland Raiders huddle up before their regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Oakland Raiders during the national anthem before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), safety Lamarcus Joyner (29), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) and center Rodney Hudson (61) walk out to the center of the field for the coin toss before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4), safety Lamarcus Joyner (29), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) and center Rodney Hudson (61) walk out to the center of the field for the coin toss before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito (64) and center Rodney Hudson (61) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and Head Coach Jon Gruden during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver J.J. Nelson (15) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver J.J. Nelson (15) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) and wide receiver J.J. Nelson (15) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Oakland Raiders during the regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and defensive end Arden Key (99) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders punter A.J. Cole (6) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) and cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Oakland Raiders during the regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and quarterback Mike Glennon (7) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) and defensive end Benson Mayowa (91) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders Head Coach Jon Gruden during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Clelin Ferrell (96) and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders safety Karl Joseph (42) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) and running back DeAndré Washington (33) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders punter A.J. Cole (6) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) and Head Coach Jon Gruden during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders running back DeAndré Washington (33) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) and tight end Darren Waller (83) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders tackle Brandon Parker (75) and wide receiver Tyrell Williams (16) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Mike Glennon (7) and Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) after the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99) and Minnesota Vikings defensive end Danielle Hunter (99) after the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) and Minnesota Vikings tackle Riley Reiff (71) after the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) and Minnesota Vikings tackle Rashod Hill (69) after the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Trayvon Mullen (27) and Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) after the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Oakland Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
The Oakland Raiders huddle up in the locker room after the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium.
