Hunter Renfrow dealing with broken rib, punctured lung

Hunter Renfrow was banged up during Sunday’s loss against the Jets after taking a big hit from Jamal Adams to the ribs.

This afternoon, Ian Rapoport reported that Renfrow suffered a broken rib and punctured lung from said hit, which may keep him out for a while.

While Rapoport suggested that it is “unclear at this point how long he’ll be out,” broken rib injuries take an average of six weeks to fully heel for the average human being. NFL athletes aren’t average human beings and have a way of playing through these types of injuries, but with a cracked rib and punctured lung, it can be hard to simply breathe, let alone play football.

This may effectively end Renfrow’s promising rookie season, or at least put him on the shelf for a few weeks. The No. 149 overall pick has grown into a key contributor at the flanker spot in Gruden’s offense, putting up 36 catches, 396 yards and a pair of touchdowns this year.

With Tyrell Williams holding down the X receiver spot and Zay Jones seemingly entrenched as the starting Z, the Raiders may need more contributions on offense from Trevor Davis, Marcell Ateman and Keelan Doss.