HENDERSON, Nev. — The Las Vegas Raiders’ already thin wide receiver corps could be even thinner for Sunday’s home game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Raiders receiver Jakobi Meyers, who suffered an ankle injury last week against the Denver Broncos, was deactivated Saturday afternoon. He was initially listed as questionable after a limited practice on Friday, the first time he practiced all week.
The Raiders are already without three-time All-Pro Davante Adams, who is rehabbing a hamstring injury and awaiting a trade. Adams last played for the Raiders in the Week 3 loss to the Carolina Panthers and was absent in the Week 4 home win over the Cleveland Browns in Las Vegas. Adams was not with Denver’s team last week.
Myers has caught 25 passes for 273 yards and one touchdown in five games.
Other receivers on the roster include second-year pass catcher Tre Tucker. He has 18 catches for 190 yards and one touchdown, and also has a rushing score. DJ Turner had two catches for 21 yards and a rushing TD. Tyreke McAllister gained 11 yards on two carries but had no receptions.
The Raiders need reinforcements at that position and activated receivers Alex Bachman and Christian Wilkerson from their practice squad on Saturday. Rookie safety Trey Taylor was also placed on injured reserve.
Backman has appeared in six career NFL games but has yet to catch a pass. Wilkerson has four catches for 42 yards and two TDs in six career games.
Rookie tight end Brock Bowers leads the Raiders in catches (28) and receiving yards (313), but second-year tight end Michael Meyer was placed on the non-football illness list on Friday. . Meyer had been away from the team since September 26 to deal with personal issues.
Second-year quarterback Aidan O’Connell will be starting under center for his first start of the season, replacing Gardner Minshew, who was placed on the bench.