Meyers Set to Lead Raiders Receiving Corps Against Buccaneers
Jakobi Meyers, the Las Vegas Raiders’ top wide receiver, is ready to take the field on Sunday against the 6-6 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kickoff is scheduled for 10:00 am.
Meyers caused some concern earlier in the week when he missed Thursday’s practice due to an ankle injury. However, Raiders coach Antonio Pierce expressed confidence before Friday’s practice that Meyers would be ready to play. While Meyers was limited in practice on Friday and officially listed as questionable on the injury report, Pierce’s optimism suggests he’ll be a key target against Tampa Bay.
Meyers Emerges as Key Offensive Weapon
Meyers has stepped up as the Raiders’ primary receiving threat since the October trade of Davante Adams to the New York Jets. He’s having a strong second season in Las Vegas, racking up 59 catches for 676 yards and two touchdown receptions. With a chance to set career highs in catches and receiving yards, Meyers could be poised for a big game against the Buccaneers.
Meyers enjoyed a successful three-year stint with the New England Patriots prior to joining the Raiders, amassing 83 catches for 866 yards in 2021. He’s proven himself a reliable target and a valuable asset to any offense.
Running back Alexander Mattison (ankle) will be inactive for Sunday’s matchup. Though he practiced on a limited basis, he remains questionable. After missing the last two games, Mattison’s absence means rookie Sincere McCormick will likely receive an increased workload. McCormick has tallied 17 carries over the past two games, and coach Pierce indicated he expects the rookie to see plenty of action against Tampa Bay.
Both running back Zamir White (quad) and cornerback Nate Hobbs (ankle) have been ruled out for Sunday’s game after missing practice throughout the week. Hobbs has been sidelined for the past three games, while White has been out for the last two.
Raiders coach Antonio Pierce will announce the team’s remaining inactive players closer to kickoff.
Buccaneers Roster Update
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving, who had been listed as questionable with hip and back issues, is expected to be part of the Buccaneers’ offense on Sunday.
How important will Jakobi Meyers be to the Raiders’ offense against the Buccaneers’ defense?
## Raiders Ready to Rely on Meyers Against Buccaneers
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Raiders beat reporter, Alex Reed, to talk about the upcoming matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Jakobi Meyers is set to lead the receiving corps this Sunday, but there were some concerns earlier this week about his availability. Can you tell us what happened?
**Alex Reed:** Absolutely. Meyers caused a bit of a stir when he missed Thursday’s practice with an ankle injury. [1](https://raiderswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/07/raiders-add-potential-jakobi-meyers-replacement-for-week-14/) Coach Pierce initially said he expected Meyers to return to practice on Friday, and thankfully, while he was limited, he did participate.
**Host:** That’s reassuring to hear. So, despite being listed as “questionable” on the injury report, it seems like Meyers is a likely go for Sunday?
**Alex Reed:** That’s right. Coach Pierce’s optimism suggests Meyers will be on the field, and considering he’s their top receiver, that’s huge news for the Raiders’ offense.
**Host:** Exactly. The Buccaneers have a solid defense. How important will Meyers be in this matchup?
**Alex Reed:** He’ll be absolutely crucial. The Buccaneers’ secondary is no joke. Meyers is a reliable target for Derek Carr and will need to create separation and make big plays to keep the Raiders offense moving.
**Host:** Well, fingers crossed for Meyers and the Raiders this Sunday. Thanks for breaking it down for us, Alex Reed. We appreciate your insights.
**Alex Reed:** My pleasure.