1. JPJ in the middle
Center Andre James (ankle) has been ruled out for Week 9, according to Antonio Pierce. This will be his first game out of action since Week 15 of 2023.
James suffered the injury in the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs, which meant Jackson Powers-Johnson stepped over from guard to center for 16 snaps. The rookie didn't allow a sack or a pressure upon the change, impressive considering he hadn't played at snap at center since OTAs, according to Pierce.
"[W]e've had Jackson there the last couple days and we'll kind of leave it there and let guys kind of stay put," the head coach said Friday morning. "We've been shuffling the O-line quite a bit now due to injuries. So, doing the best we can to keep some continuity there, letting the guys just practice throughout the week and play where they've been practicing."
There's a sense of familiarity and comfort that comes for the 2024 second-rounder lining up at center. In his last collegiate season at Oregon, he was named the Rimington Trophy winner, awarded to the best center in college football. Additionally, he was a unanimous All-American and First-Team All Pac-12 selection, and didn't surrender a sack his entire collegiate career.
"I just knew my preparation and I just went into the mode of what I did I college and just gave it 100 percent," Powers-Johnson said of going in at center last week. "If I give it 100 percent and do the best I can do, I've got to let the chips fall where they may."
2. Holding out hope for league's leading tackler
Linebacker link-placeholder-0, guard Dylan Parham (foot) and running back Zamir White (quadricep) are questionable going into Sunday's game. However, Spillane may have the hardest mountain to climb out of the three.
Parham and White were both limited or full participants in practice this week, making their likelihood of playing a bit higher. However, No. 41 didn't practice in any capacity this week, per the injury report. Despite suffering a knee injury in the first quarter against the Chiefs, he returned to finish the rest of the game and totaled six solo tackles.
"I'm always happy to have the best players out there, and Spill is one of our best players, so I was just happy that he was okay," defensive coordinator Patrick Graham said. "That's the main thing for me."
Spillane leads the league in solo tackles with 51, keeping the Raiders defense in check with the green dot. If he's not able to go, Tommy Eichenberg and Amari Burney are top candidates to step in his place and start. However, there's still optimism he'll be able to go.
"[K]nowing Robert, he'll be a game-time decision and knowing Robert, hopefully he'll play," Pierce said.
3. Next man up for Cincy
On the opposite sideline, the Bengals could have three key starters out.
Receiver Tee Higgins (quadricep), tackle Orlando Brown Jr. (knee/fibula) and running back Zack Moss (neck) have been ruled doubtful for Week 9. Higgins is one of Joe Burrow's top targets, standing at second on the team in receiving yards (341), catches (29) and touchdown grabs (three).
If Higgins is out, an even bigger workload can be expected for star receiver Ja'Marr Chase who's leading the NFL in receiving yards (674) and receiving touchdowns (seven). Both Pierce and Graham hold the Bengals' top receiver in high regard.
"Ja'Marr Chase, man is elite. I mean, he's one-of-one right now," Pierce said. "You watch him after the catch; physicality, speed, acceleration, catch radius. I mean, I could go on and on. Obviously, one of the top receivers in the league."
"[H]e's one of the best in the league," Graham said. "If you want to argue he is the best, I don't have real good, strong rebuttal for that, between him, [Justin] Jefferson and some of the other guys."
4. Facing Bengals star edge rusher
While Joe Burrow and Ja'Marr Chase grab all the headlines in Cincinnati, people can't sleep on Pro Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
The eighth-year veteran plays a pivotal role in the Bengals pass rush, as his seven sacks this season account for 58.3 percent of the defense's total sacks – the highest percentage in the NFL. He also leads his team in quarterback hits (15), tackles for loss (seven) and quarterback pressures (20). In each of Hendrickson's three career games he's played against the Raiders – regular season or playoffs – he's picked up a sack.
"Obviously, these guys got two good defensive ends. 91 is a really good football player," Pierce said about Hendrickson. "High effort, high motor, competitive, solid."
5. Road trip
Interestingly enough, the Raiders have played better on the road than the Bengals have played at home this season.
Cincinnati has a 0-4 record at Paycor Stadium, one of five teams without a home win. Additionally, they've allowed 33 points and 398 yards per game at home.
While it's nothing to brag about, the Silver and Black have posted a 1-3 record on the road, the one victory being against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 2. They're also averaging nearly 301 total yards a game on the road this season.
6. Efficiency will be key
While turnovers have been a growing issue for Gardner Minshew II , he's still proved to be an efficient passer.
In his six starts in 2024, the Raiders quarterback has recorded above a 75 percent completion percentage in three games, the most in the NFL (min. 25 attempts). With one more contest reaching that mark, he'll have the second most of such games in a single season in franchise history and be one of nine quarterbacks in NFL history to reach four of such games through Week 9 of a single season.
"Had some guys getting open, catching the ball, making plays," Minshew said of the offense's showing in Week 8. "Felt like we were doing a good job of, once we got into a drive, establishing drives and staying on the field. I thought we did some good things on third down.
"Now, it's kind of looking at those three-and-outs, the quick drives. How do we sustain? How do we just be more consistent there?"
As the Raiders prepare for their Week 9 game, view past matchups between the Silver and Black and the Bengals.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Al Dotson (71) defends during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 27, 1968, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive tackle Tony Cline (84), defensive tackle Tom Keating (74) and defensive end Ben Davidson (83) during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 27, 1968, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Ben Davidson (83) and defensive tackle Al Dotson (71) pressure the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 1969, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Pete Banazak (40) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 7, 1969, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders Raymond Chester (87), Bob Brown (76), George Buehler (64), quarterback Daryle Lamonica (3), center Jim Otto (00), Gene Upshaw (63) and Art Shell (78) line up before the snap during the home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 1971, in Oakland, Calif.
The Oakland Raiders line up before the snap during the home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 1971, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raider running back Marv Hubbard (44) scores a touchdown during the home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, October 24, 1971, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Mike Siani (49) makes a 9-yard touchdown catch during the AFC divisional playoff postseason home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 28, 1975, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders quarterback/kicker George Blanda (16) kicks a PAT during the AFC divisional playoff postseason home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at the Oakland–Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, December 28, 1975, in Oakland, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive tackle Archie Reese (74) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium, Sunday, November 28, 1982, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium, Sunday, September 4, 1983, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes for a 1-yard touchdown during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium, Sunday, September 4, 1983, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end/linebacker Greg Townsend (93) strip-sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 1985, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders kicker Jeff Jaeger (18) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, November 5, 1989, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end Scott Davis (70), linebacker Jerry Robinson (57), defensive end/linebacker Greg Townsend (93) and linebacker Riki Ellison (50) line up before the snap during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 1990, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end/defensive tackle Howie Long (75) rushes the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, December 16, 1990, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back/tight end Ethan Horton (88) makes a 41-yard touchdown catch during the AFC divisional playoff postseason home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 13, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders defensive end\linebacker Greg Townsend (93) sacks the quarterback during the AFC divisional playoff postseason home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 13, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC divisional playoff postseason home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 13, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the AFC Divisional Playoff postseason home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, Sunday, January 13, 1991, in Los Angeles, Calif.
Los Angeles Raiders running back Marcus Allen (32) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium, Sunday, September 13, 1992, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Los Angeles Raiders center/guard/tackle Don Mosebar (72) waits to snap the ball to quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium, Sunday, November 28, 1993, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Los Angeles Raiders center/guard/tackle Don Mosebar (72) waits to snap the ball to quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium, Sunday, November 28, 1993, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Los Angeles Raiders quarterback Jeff Hostetler (15) looks for a receiver as center/guard/tackle Don Mosebar (72) block during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Riverfront Stadium, Sunday, November 28, 1993, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders running back Justin Fargas (20) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, September 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tackle Matt Stinchcomb (74) blocks as quarterback Rich Gannon looks for a receiver during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, September 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Trace Armstrong (93) makes a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Network Associates Coliseum, Sunday, September 14, 2003, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders cornerback Chris Carr (23) returns a kickoff during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 10, 2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (53) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 10, 2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders center/guard Jake Grove (64) and guard Paul McQuistan (79) block during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 10, 2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Ronald Curry (89) makes a 5-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 10, 2006, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders defensive back Stanford Routt (26) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 22, 2009, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Brandon Myers (83) recovers a fumble during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 22, 2009, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a go-ahead 33-yard field goal during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 22, 2009, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Louis Murphy (18) stretches for the end zone on a 29-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 22, 2009, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2012, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Denarius Moore (17) makes a 20-yard touchdown catch during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2012, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (77) sacks the quarterback during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2012, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders running back Marcel Reece (45) rushes during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, November 25, 2012, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) goes to hand the ball off during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.Co Coliseum, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Denico Autry (96) and defensive end Justin Tuck (91) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.Co Coliseum, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders wide receiver Michale Crabtree (15) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.Co Coliseum, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski (11) kicks a PAT during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.Co Coliseum, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Oakland, Cailf.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Matt McGloin (14) passes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.Co Coliseum, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Oakland, Cailf.
Oakland Raiders running back Jamaize Olawale (49) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.Co Coliseum, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Marcel Reece (45) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at O.Co Coliseum, Sunday, September 13, 2015, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 16, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders guard Chaz Green (65) blocks during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 16, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders long snapper Trent Sieg (47) waits to snap the ball during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 16, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders running back Jalen Richard (30) runs after making a catch during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 16, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders linebacker Jason Cabinda (53) makes a tackle during the regular season away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Sunday, December 16, 2018, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) dives into the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 2019.
Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) passes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Oakland, Calif.
Oakland Raiders tight end Darren Waller (83) runs after making a catch during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, Sunday, November 17, 2019, in Oakland, Calif.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Josh Jacobs (28) rushes during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 21, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Brandon Facyson (35) breaks up a pass during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 21, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Nate Hobbs (39) and linebacker Cory Littleton (42) make a tackle during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 21, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Foster Moreau (87) makes a 19-yard touchdown catch during the regular season home game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Allegiant Stadium, Sunday, November 21, 2021, in Las Vegas, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Kyle Wilber (58) makes a tackle during the postseason away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones (7) makes a 14-yard touchdown catch during the postseason away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby (98) sacks the quarterback during the postseason away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Bryan Edwards (89) celebrates after making a first down during the postseason away game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium, Saturday, January 15, 2022, in Cincinnati, Ohio.
