Raiders, Vikings week 3 inactives: LB Anthony Barr a big loss

There was big news in the inactives for this game. Vikings Pro Bowl linebacker Anthony Barr will not play. He was dealing with a groin injury that caused him to miss one of the team’s practices this week but head coach Mike Zimmer seemed confident he would play. I asked Chris Gates from SB Nation Vikings site Daily Norseman about what this loss would mean to the Vikings’ defense.

“If he doesn’t [play], t’s a pretty significant loss for the defense,” said Gates. “Barr just does so many different things, whether it’s blitzing or dropping back into coverage (which is something he’s gotten exponentially better at over the years) or running down screen passes, his athletic ability allows Mike Zimmer and George Edwards to do some things that they might not be able to do if Barr wasn’t out there. I don’t think he’s the most important player on the Vikings’ defense. . .that distinction goes to Harrison Smith. . .but Barr is certainly a player that the Vikings would rather have out on the field on Sunday.”

Newly acquired wide receiver and kick returner Trevor Davis is inactive. The Raiders sent a reported 6th round pick to the Packers for him this week.

Wide receiver Ryan Grant is also inactive after starting the first two games. JJ Nelson returns this week and the Raiders are looking to get more from their wide receiver corps. The group will consist of Tyrell Williams, Nelson, Hunter Renfrow, and Keelan Doss.

Raiders

WR Trevor Davis

WR Ryan Grant

G Gabe Jackson

WR/RS Dwayne Harris

QB DeShone Kizer

DT Corey Liuget

T David Sharpe

Vikings