Raiders report: Top receiver expected to return to action Sunday

The Raiders expect to get wide receiver Jakobi Meyers back against the Chiefs after he missed the past two games with an ankle injury.

“That’s the plan to be out there playing,” Meyers said after practicing Friday.

Meyers will officially be listed as questionable, but he and coach Antonio Pierce indicated the receiver will return to action Sunday at Allegiant Stadium.

Defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) will also be good to go Sunday, and Gardner Minshew will start at quarterback, Pierce said.

Crosby and Meyers practiced Wednesday before sitting out Thursday, as the Raiders attempted to manage their workload. They were full participants Friday.

Meyers said it has been difficult watching from the sidelines the past two weeks, especially as the presumed No. 1 receiver after the trade of Davante Adams.

“Very tough,” he said. “Especially when we’re losing and there’s things you feel you could do to help. But we’re back now, and all I can do is focus on the Chiefs this weekend.”

Tight end Harrison Bryant is also listed as questionable after missing all three practices this week because of an elbow injury. Linebackers Tommy Eichenberg (quad) and Kana’i Mauga (knee) are also questionable despite upgrading to full participants in practice Friday.

Guard Dylan Parham is the only player officially ruled out, as he continues to deal with a foot injury.

Minshew has officially been tabbed the starter in place of the injured Aidan O’Connell, and Pierce confirmed Desmond Ridder will serve as the backup after he was signed off the Cardinals’ practice squad Tuesday.

Pierce stopped short of saying Ridder could take over the starting job with O’Connell on injured reserve with a fractured right thumb. Pierce did say he’s been impressed with what he’s seen since Ridder’s arrival.

“He’s just being himself,” Pierce said. “I don’t think he’s trying to press, and we’re not asking him to press and go in there and be the starting quarterback to help us turn this thing around. He’s just a part of the puzzle for us. He’s doing a good job in the room. He has a good presence about himself. Very confident player, sharp. And to be honest, he’s working his tail off to try to learn the playbook as fast as he can.”

Reunited

Raiders receiver Tre Tucker was too stunned to process the news when Ridder, his old college quarterback at Cincinnati, FaceTimed him to ask if Tucker had a room he could stay in for a while.

“I was super excited,” Tucker said. “It still doesn’t have to feel real. I’m going to have to grab his jersey after the game on Sunday and add it to my collection.”

As for the room, Tucker is going to let Ridder move in. Possibly with a few guidelines.

“From what I can remember, his locker was a little messy in college,” Tucker joked. “But I’ll make sure he knows it’s my house and my rules. But I told him anytime, of course. I know we’ll have fun and just reminisce on the old times a little bit. Maybe I can help him with the playbook.”

Tucker spoke fondly of their connection in college, recalling how surprised he was that someone with Ridder’s size (6 feet, 3 inches, 207 pounds) could play with such athleticism.

“And then obviously he has such good touch on the ball and such good accuracy,” Tucker said. “When we got him here, I was very excited.”

New guy

The Raiders made an under-the-radar move this week in adding talented receiver Terrace Marshall Jr. to the practice squad.

Marshall was a second-round pick of the Panthers in 2021 after being part of a loaded wide receiver room at LSU.

The speedster had 64 catches for 767 yards and a touchdown in three seasons with Carolina, but was released during training camp. He spent the first half of this season on the 49ers’ practice squad.

“I’m excited for a fresh start,” he said. “Just being able to have an opportunity. My goal always wherever I am is to come in and help my team in any way I can and contribute to help win a Super Bowl.”

Marshall said he believes there will be a chance to contribute for the Raiders.

“I see opportunity here,” he said. “I feel I can compete and play in this league, so wherever I’m at, I feel there is opportunity. I’m just going to keep my head down and grind and be ready whenever my number is called.”

Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.