Nothing stops our Tuesday Raiders Mailbag – nothing.
Even though the team is currently in the midst of a five-game skid, we're here to answer your questions – both good and bad – and breakdown everything we've seen thus far from the Silver and Black.
Next up for the Raiders is a winnable game against the 2-7 Arizona Cardinals – more on them later – onto your questions.
From Ej Lopez: Why don't we see more of Ateman?
EP: EJ, from your lips to the ears of the head coach. In all seriousness though, it sounds like we're going to get our first look at the athletic rookie this Sunday in Arizona. After he was promoted to the active roster on October 23, the former Oklahoma State Cowboy has been a healthy inactive each week, but don't be surprised if Ateman gets his number called this weekend. Without the services of Martavis Bryant and likely Jordy Nelson – for who knows how long remains to be seen – the next man up will be No. 88. Ateman appeared to build up quite the rapport with Derek Carr throughout training camp and the preseason; I'm fired up to see how he looks in legitimate game action.
From Rick Gandara: Where can I get a t-shirt like that?
EP: Just to get everyone up to speed, we take your questions during our Raiders Live show we do each Tuesday, and the shirt Rick is referring to is the one that Chris Townsend and I were rocking on the air today. So, Rick, to answer your question, you can get your very own Raiders Foundation shirt at raiderimage.com or just by clicking this link, here.
Not only do the shirts look sweet, and feel super comfy, but between now and March 31, 2019 the net proceeds from sales of the shirt benefit the Raiders Foundation which will direct the funds to programs that support the families of fallen military heroes.
You get a cool t-shirt, and you help out a worthy cause – seems like a win/win to me.
From Carlton Wavy: Are you concerned about the status of the rookie tackles?
EP: Concerned? I don't know if I'd go that far, but both Kolton Miller and Brandon Parker will have their hands full this weekend as they try to limit Chandler Jones. Headed into week 11, Jones ranks seventh in the NFL with 8.5 sacks, and simply put, the man has been a beast in 2018. As far as the rookie tackles though, they've no doubt had their ups and downs this year, but I have to say, the ups have been pretty darn good. Now, are there instances that the pair of young linemen would like to have back? No doubt about it, but by and large, their effort has been a net positive for the Silver and Black this year.
That said, I'll be keeping a close eye on them Sunday afternoon at University of Phoenix Stadium.
From Greg Westbrook: What players have a shot at making the Pro Bowl this year?
EP: We actually talked about this very thing earlier today on "Raiders Live" too. The two guys that I think actually have a really good chance of ending their season in Orlando are Rodney Hudson and Jared Cook. Hudson has been the guiding force of the Raiders offensive line, but when you think about how many moving pieces he's had to deal with this year, his play is even more impressive. Not to be outdone, Jared Cook is on pace to deliver a career year, and has been the most-consistent receiving weapon out wide for Derek Carr. The team's record might not be there in 2018, but that doesn't mean we should discount the impressive individual performances we've seen thus far. In fact, Pro Bowl voting opened Tuesday; the link to vote for all your favorite Raiders is here.
Take a look through the top images from the Raiders' game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 10 at the Coliseum.
Oakland Raiders tight end Lee Smith (86), Martavis Bryant and Jared Cook before the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) walks out of the locker room during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) leads the huddles with the team during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Rashaan Melvin (22) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) runs a fake punt back during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver and return specialist Dwayne Harris (17) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders safety Erik Harris (25) and linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders center Rodney Hudson (61) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders punter Johnny Townsend (5) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee (55) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) scrambles during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), linebacker Marquel Lee (55), defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73), and linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Arden Key (99), linebacker Tahir Whitehead (59), and defensive tackle Maurice Hurst (73) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders strong safety Karl Joseph (42) and Nicholas Morrow make a tackle during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) and quarterback Derek Carr (4) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Martavis Bryant (12) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders safety Marcus Gilchrist (31) intercepts a pass during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Derek Carrier (85) and linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle PJ Hall (92) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders tight end Jared Cook (87) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) rushes during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (8) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (98) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (98) makes a play during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum on Sunday, November 11th, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins (90) and linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) sacks Los Angeles Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers (17) during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Shilique Calhoun (91) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
Raiders line up during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders return specialist Dwayne Harris (17) runs back a kick off during the Oakland Raiders game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. Oakland lost 20-6.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Nicholas Morrow (50) and strong safety Karl Joseph (42) during the Oakland Raiders regular season game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 11, 2018, in Oakland, California. The Oakland Raiders lost 20-6.
