The Raiders have had their shortcomings at linebacker this season, but one of the pleasant surprises of the group has been second-year WLB Cory James.
James is tied for fourth on the team in tackles (56) despite battling a relatively significant knee problem for much of the season.
According to Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, James has been playing through a torn meniscus and “loose” cartilage in his knee that will need surgery at the end of the season.
If James cannot play on Sunday, the Chiefs will see a healthy dose of rookie linebacker Nicholas Morrow, who has impressed in his rookie season. Morrow was on the field for 59 snaps against the Giants and recorded 9 tackles.
In theory, the Chiefs are one of the most difficult teams in the league to deal with from a linebacker’s standpoint. With tight end Travis Kelce and number of pass-catching runners lurking in the Kansas City backfield, the Raiders will need one of their best efforts of the season from their linebacker group.
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