Powers-Johnson misses second straight practice as Raiders ready for Chiefs

Jackson Powers-Johnson did not practice Wednesday or Thursday, the Raiders' Week 4 injury report shows, a second straight session missed by the right guard who hurt his groin in the fourth quarter of Sunday's win at New Orleans. He and quarterback Aidan O'Connell, who is away for personal reasons, were the only Raiders on the report to sit both days. Game designations are due Friday.

Everything else on that report trended the right way. Safety Treydan Stukes, who missed the Saints game in concussion protocol, was a full participant both days. Isaiah Pola-Mao and Eric Stokes showed up Thursday as full. Ashton Jeanty's ankle and Malik Benson's knee cost neither man a repetition.

Losing an interior starter this particular week is poor timing. Chris Jones was full on both days of Kansas City's report, and right guard is where he does his damage. Caleb Rogers, a 2025 third-round pick with fewer than 300 career snaps, played in New Orleans and is next in line, as Athlon Sports laid out. Opinion, and a mild one: this is less a drop-off than an unknown, because Powers-Johnson has allowed seven pressures himself, second-most on the roster.

Kansas City has its own hole up front. Left tackle Josh Simmons will not play, and Andy Reid said this week that Simmons has "a bulging disc in his lower back" that has "kind of hindered the strength of his leg," per Yahoo Sports. Rookie Kahlil Benson makes a fourth straight start there, with Maxx Crosby, owner of six career sacks against Patrick Mahomes, across from him for stretches.

The defense has earned the billing. Las Vegas leads the league in takeaways with nine and fumble recoveries with five, and ranks second in quarterback pressures with 41 while blitzing on only 19.5 percent of dropbacks, the team's matchup breakdown notes. Kirk Cousins has been efficient rather than loud: nine touchdowns, tied for the league lead, on 67.4 percent passing and a 107.2 rating, KTNV reported.

Friday's designations are the next thing to read, and Powers-Johnson is the name to look for. Kickoff is Sunday at 1:25 p.m. PT on CBS at Allegiant Stadium, where the 3-0 Raiders are five-and-a-half-point underdogs to the 3-0 Chiefs.