Raiders Seek Offensive Balance With QB Out

The Las Vegas Raiders enter Week 9 at Allegiant Stadium needing a markedly improved, more balanced offense after a 2-5 start that has lacked consistent passing or rushing production. Offensive coordinator Chip Kelly emphasized avoiding one-dimensional play and said reinserting key playmakers Brock Bowers and Jakobi Meyers will be handled cautiously with sports-science-guided snap counts. The team used the bye to get healthier—defenders Maxx Crosby and Adam Butler practiced fully—but cornerback Lonnie Johnson is out and QB Aidan O'Connell remains sidelined, leaving the offense fragile despite more bodies available. Kelly’s unit has drawn criticism for underperforming relative to expectations and his status as the NFL’s highest-paid assistant. The Raiders are banking on returning reinforcements and an adjusted game plan against the Jacksonville Jaguars to jump-start the second half of the season.