Las Vegas Raiders get incredible news at the perfect time as they get ready to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 4
The Kansas City Chiefs are playing well, so the Las Vegas Raiders will definitely need rookie Treydan Stukes and offensive guard Jackson Powers-Johnson.
The Las Vegas Raiders are getting reinforcements at the perfect time. Second-round rookie safety Treydan Stukes is a full go at practice ahead of the Week 4 home matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs, and offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson could join him by week’s end.
With both Las Vegas and Kansas City sitting undefeated, this game carries enormous weight for the AFC West.
Head coach Klint Kubiak addressed the media on Wednesday and provided the updates on both players.
“Alright guys, so Treydan Stuke is a full go today. Jackson Powers-Johnson will not practice, and Aiden O’Connell is not here today. Hope to have him back by the end of the week. We just keep getting him— talking about Jackson Powers—Johnson— healthy and hope to get him to some practice reps this week so he can play,” Kubiak said.
Treydan Stukes’ return is critical for the secondary
Stukes missed the Raiders’ last game due to concussion protocol, and his absence was felt immediately. Isaiah Pola-Mao had to fill in, and the results were rough. Pola-Mao gave up two touchdowns, including the first score to the Saints. Getting Stukes back changes the defense’s complexion entirely.
Stukes is easily the best cover safety on the Raiders’ roster, and it’s no close call. That matters even more this week against a Kansas City Chiefs offense that, while lacking the big-name wide receivers it once had with Tyreek Hill, features players who are dangerous after the catch and can get into the third level of the defense. Then there’s Travis Kelce, who is having one of his best seasons since 2022 or 2023. The Raiders will need Stukes at his best to match up against all of that.
The other significant development is that the Raiders are working to get Jackson Powers-Johnson back on the field this week. He suffered a groin injury, forcing Caleb Rogers to step in at center. Powers-Johnson did not practice Wednesday, but the plan is to get him practice reps later in the week with the goal of having him ready to play. If he’s healthy enough to go, he will start over Rogers.
An AFC showdown between unbeaten teams
The stakes are massive. The Raiders and Chiefs are two of the three remaining undefeated teams in the AFC, along with the Buffalo Bills. After this week, at least one of those three will have a loss. If the Bills also fall, the unbeaten club shrinks to just one team.
Kansas City looks much better than it did last season. The Chiefs are moving the ball effectively, and a huge reason is their elite run game with Kenneth Walker. Only time will tell how this one plays out, but it’s a great start for Las Vegas to get both Stukes and Powers-Johnson back in the building and working toward game day.
