Ready or not: Navorro Bowman is expected to start for Raiders vs Chiefs tonight

Wednesday Jack Del Rio revealed newly signed linebacker Navorro Bowman will play vs the Chiefs Thursday night. The question was if he would start. It looks like he will, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Rapoport went with the amazed positive side of things. That being the coaches ‘got him ready’ in just four days. But if we’re being realistic, it’s more of a ‘ready or not’ situation for the Raiders.

They have three banged up linebackers right now with Cory James and Nicholas Morrow both dealing with knee issues and Marquel Lee with an ankle injury.

Based on Lee’s inability to put any weight on his ankle after the injury two weeks ago and being carted off the field, he seems the least likely of the trio to be able to play. He has been starting at middle linebacker much of the season and performs the same duties Bowman expected of Bowman.

James played last week, but saw just 7 snaps and was limited in practice the past two days. It’s uncertain if he’ll be able to go and whether he’s 100%. It could be Bowman or bust. Or Bowman and bust, depending on how ready he is to quarterback the Raiders’ defense.