The Oakland Raiders could be without Latavius Murray and Amari Cooper for Week 10, as both players had to miss practice time heading into the weekend. Murray is dealing with a concussion, while Cooper has a leg injury and if they are limited, players like Michael Crabtree, Marcel Reece and Rod Streater will be fantasy football start picks for Derek Carr.
The Raiders have been one of the surprise teams in the league this season and the performance of the offensive unit is one of the main reasons why. The Raiders are 4-4 and in position to make a run for the AFC wild card in the playoffs and that makes the next game against the Vikings even more important. According to Pro Football Talk, Murray and Cooper were not able to practice on Wednesday and there is a chance that one or both players could be limited or out for the game in Week 10.
Both Murray and Cooper have been productive this season and losing either player would be a big hit to the offense for quarterback Derek Carr. Carr has had a strong season in year two of his career and Cooper has helped make the passing game one of the more productive units in the league. The Raiders are ranked in the top 10 in passing yards per game this season and the offense ranks seventh in points per game with over 26 per contest.
Cooper and Murray were both injured last week by Steelers safety Mike Mitchell and of the two players, Cooper is more likely to start on Sunday. Cooper suffered a quad injury after Mitchell hit him in the leg and while Cooper had to leave the game for a bit, he was able to return. The quad injury wasn't enough to keep him out Sunday, but it was enough to limit him on Wednesday and he was listed as a "non-participant" in practice. Cooper still could be in line to play Sunday if he practices later in the week.
Murray is dealing with a more serious injury, as Mitchell hit the running back and forced a fumble and Murray suffered a concussion on the play. According to the San Jose Mercury News, Murray has been cleared for contact, but he has not yet been cleared to practice. The News reports that Jack Del Rio said that Murray will continue to do what he is "cleared to do" in practice leading into Sunday.
Cooper has been putting up strong numbers this season and he has met expectations for the Raiders after being a top five draft pick. Cooper has 45 catches for 653 yards and four touchdowns in eight games and if it weren't for Todd Gurley, he likely would be leading the rookie of the year award standings. Murray has taken over as the starter this year and has been very productive, rushing for 630 yards and averaging nearly 80 yards per game. If either player is out or limited, fantasy owners should look at Michael Crabtree and Marcel Reece as starter options to step in on Sunday.