Raiders place rookie receiver Henry Ruggs III put on reserve/COVID-19 list

The Las Vegas Raiders’ season-long issue with the coronavirus has surfaced again on a short week as the team placed top draft pick, wide receiver Henry Ruggs III, on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list on Tuesday. That means he will miss Thursday night’s game against the visiting Los Angeles Chargers.

It is not known if Ruggs tested positive for the coronavirus or was a close contact with someone who did. In the best-case scenario, Ruggs will be back to play in Week 16 against the Miami Dolphins.

Ruggs, the No. 12 overall draft pick, missed two games earlier this soon with injuries and he hasn’t produced as much as the Raiders’ hoped as he has just 23 catches. Also, third-round pick, receiver Bryan Edwards, missed practice on Tuesday for non-injury reasons and it is not clear if he will play when the Chargers come to town. Veterans Nelson Agholor, Zay Jones and slot receiver Hunter Renfrow may have to carry the load at receiver against LA.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have begun the process of taking pass rusher Takk McKinley off the injured reserve. He has been on it for three weeks with a groin injury since the Raiders claimed him. It is not known when he will be ready to play.

The Raiders also signed pass-rusher Vic Beasley to the 53-man roster, ending his stint on the practice squad, which was essentially a formality. They also bought back receiver Marcell Ateman to the practice squad.