1. Justin Fields remains QB1
Despite nine-time Pro Bowler Russell Wilson being activate for his first game this season, Justin Fields will reportedly continue as the Steelers' starting quarterback for this Week 6 matchup.
Fields has led the Steelers to a 3-2 record to start the season, notching a career-high 67.6 completion percentage. He's also been able to take care of the ball efficiently in the air with a 5:1 touchdown to interception ratio. He can also wreck defenses with his feet, rushing for three touchdowns so far. He's only two seasons removed from rushing for over 1,110 yards while Luke Getsy was his offensive coordinator.
"Justin is an incredible guy. I mean, just an incredible competitor, great teammate," said Getsy, now the Raiders offensive coordinator. "I can only imagine that those guys love playing for him. And yeah, he's a competitor, so he's going to bring it every single play. He doesn't have any back down. There's no excuses with that guy. That guy goes and balls, and so it'll be great to see him. I know that our defense will have a big challenge going up against him."
2. AOC is back
The big news of the week for the Raiders has also surrounded the quarterback position.
Aidan O'Connell will make his first start of the season after Gardner Minshew II went 2-3 to start the year. The decision isn't necessarily surprising considering how competitive their quarterback battle was this offseason.
"I think Gardner did a lot of really good things," Getsy said. "He really did. I think the expectations of plays, he completely understood it. I think the grasp of the offense, he got it. His ability to function in and out of the huddle, all that stuff. ... I think it just comes down to, we've got to make sure we take care of the football. In this game, especially in the NFL level, it's usually determined by that. And then, we just had a couple plays here and there that didn't give us an opportunity to win. So as a whole, we just decided that we're going to try another thing."
O'Connell being thrust into the starting role isn't uncharted territory for him. He took over as the team's starter in Week 9 of 2023 as a rookie, throwing eight touchdowns without an interception in his last four games of the season.
"I definitely know that the job is fluid, so just trying to do my best every day," O'Connell said Wednesday. "Today, I'm focusing on today, and not really thinking about any days in the future. I got to work on what we're working on today, try to get better, and take each day that way. And it's hard to do. Your brain wants to go backwards, it wants to go forwards. But I think just focusing on the task at hand is the best thing I can do."
3. Steelers' dynamic duo
The Steelers defensive line could cause some trouble for the Raiders with the likes of perennial Pro Bowlers T.J. Watt and Cameron Heyward.
The duo has combined for 6.5 sacks and nine tackles for loss through five games, leading a defense that's only allowed an average on 14.6 points this season. Watt totaled two sacks and three quarterback hits in the Steelers' Week 3 matchup against the Raiders in 2023.
"T.J. is a is a very, very intriguing player when you watch him because he can drop, doesn't play every snap like Maxx [Crosby], but he's very effective," Antonio Pierce said. "For some reason, when the game is on the line on third down or in the red zone, man you better know where 90 is. Hopefully we've got enough hands and eyes on him at all times."
While Heyward was inactive for that Week 3 matchup last season, the last time he faced the Raiders on Christmas Eve in 2022, he totaled two sacks, three tackles for loss and a pass deflection.
"I mean, you're talking about one of the best probably of all time inside and just a good system pro. I mean, he's a badass," Pierce said of Heyward. "I just remember two years ago him pretty much tearing our game apart. ... But a really good player, physical. I mean, it starts with him. When he's in the game, it's difficult to run the ball especially at him."
4. "Just do right"
The Raiders received some extremely unfortunate news this week as Christian Wilkins was placed on injured reserve with a foot injury.
While his presence will be missed, several young interior defensive linemen will be expected to step up and replicate his production. Those players consists of Jonah Laulu, Nesta Jade Silvera and Matthew Butler, the 2022 fifth-round pick who was signed to the active roster from the practice squad Thursday.
It's also worth noting veteran Adam Butler 's role will continue to grow in the midst of what's been a productive season of 12 quarterback pressures and 13 defensive stops, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
"Can't replace Christian Wilkins, right? But you can be yourself and be the best version of yourself, and that's all we're going to ask them to do," Pierce said Friday morning. "Just do their job. I asked them this week, just do right. Just do right. Don't go outside the box. Don't be somebody else. Don't try to make that game winning play or that game winning tackle. Just keep them linemen off our linebackers. Get some knock back and use your hands."
5. Fighting off the injury bug
The Raiders should be getting back a few starters this week that've missed some time over the last few weeks.
Thayer Munford Jr. and Zamir White have been ruled questionable for Sunday after being limited participants in practice Friday. White missed Week 5's matchup with a groin injury and Munford has been sidelined since suffering a knee injury in the first quarter against the Carolina Panthers in Week 3. Pierce told local media Friday he's optimistic both will be ready to go.
A more definite return will be starting linebacker Divine Deablo who missed the last four games due to an oblique injury. He was a full participant in practice this week with no injury designation heading into the game.
"It's his fourth year starting and playing and he's getting better, he's been getting better each and every week. ... We're excited to get him back," Pierce said. "He's healthy, running around, excited to see him play."
2024 fourth-round pick Decamerion Richardson is also going into the game without an injury tag, potentially playing in the first game of his NFL career.
6. Bowers climbing up the ranks
Brock Bowers is on an sensational run to begin his NFL career, leading the Raiders and all NFL tight ends in targets (36), receptions (28) and receiving yards (313).
Additionally, he's the first rookie tight end in NFL history (since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger) to lead all players at his position in receiving yards and receptions through Week 5. With 87 receiving yards Sunday against the Steelers, he would become the second tight end in NFL history to reach over 400 receiving yards through his first six career games.
"Brock is one of those guys that allow you to do a bunch of different things with one person," Getsy said. "And yeah, it's our job to try to keep making sure that he has the opportunity to make those plays. The more and more he does, the more and more people are going to be affected by what he does."
As the Raiders prepare for their Week 6 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, view photos from past matchups between the two teams.
Oakland Raiders running back Pete Banaszak (40) rushes during the AFC Championship home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 1976.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Ken Stabler (12) looks for a receiver during the AFC Championship home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 26, 1976.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 1, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 1, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Lyle Alzado (77) sacks the quarterback during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 1, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
The Los Angeles Raiders lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders linebacker Rod Martin (53) and defensive back Vann McElroy (26) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders guard Mickey Marvin (65) and center/guard Dave Dalby (50) go to block as quarterback Jim Plunkett (16) receives the snap during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Marc Wilson (6) hands the ball off to to running back Frank Hawkins (27) during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders guard Curt Marsh (60) blocks during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back/tight end Todd Christensen (46) makes a catch during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 1, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders punter Ray Guy (8) rushes during the postseason AFC Divisional Playoff home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 1, 1984, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 15, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders tight end Roland Williams (86) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 15, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jerry Porter (84) makes a 21-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 15, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Phillip Buchanon (31) returns a punt during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 15, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 15, 2002, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Rick Mirer (3) passes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 7, 2003, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Lorenzo Bromell (95) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 7, 2003, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders running back Charlie Garner (25) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 7, 2003, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Tim Brown (81) stiff arms the defender during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 7, 2003, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 7, 2003, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Doug Gabriel (85) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 12, 2004, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders running back Tyrone Wheatley (47) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 12, 2004, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (20) blocks as quarterback Rich Gannon (12) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 12, 2004, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon (12) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 12, 2004, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess (56) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha (21) intercepts a pass for a 24-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Nnamdi Asomugha (21) intercepts a pass for a 24-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Derrick Burgess (56) pressures the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Zack Crockett (32) blocks as running back Justin Fargas (25) rushes during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at McAfee Coliseum, Sunday, October 29, 2006, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Gary Russell (22) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 6, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Tommy Kelly (93) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 6, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a field goal during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 6, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Michael Huff (24) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 6, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski (5) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 6, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens (81) makes a 17-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, December 6, 2009, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (12) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, November 21, 2010, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Jason Campbell (8) looks for a receiver during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, November 21, 2010, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Jacoby Ford (12) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, November 21, 2010, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush (29) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, November 21, 2010, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski (5) rushes during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, November 21, 2010, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 64-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 64-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Richard Gordon (82) makes a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Richard Gordon (82) celebrates after making a 1-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, September 23, 2012, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 27, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 27, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Sio Moore (55) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 27, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Terrelle Pryor (2) rushes for a 93-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 27, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Darren McFadden (20) rushes for a 4-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at O.co Coliseum, Sunday, October 27, 2013, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michael Crabtree (15) makes a 22-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, November 8, 2015, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Curtis Lofton (50) lines up before the snap during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, November 8, 2015, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Oakland Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) waits to snap the ball during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Doug Martin (28) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Seth Roberts (10) makes a catch during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Oakland Alameda-County Coliseum, Sunday, December 9, 2018, in Oakland, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 46-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Tre'von Moehrig (25) goes to make a tackle during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) makes a catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field, Sunday, September 19, 2021, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Hunter Renfrow (13) dives into the end zone on a 14-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Daniel Carlson (2) kicks a 40-yard field goal during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Denzel Perryman (52) is congratulated by teammates after interception a pass during the regular season away game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Acrisure Stadium, Saturday, December 24, 2022, in Pittsburgh, Pa.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Ameer Abdullah (22) goes to make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James (68) lines up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) defends during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, September 24, 2023, in Las Vegas, Nev.
