Raiders vs. 49ers: 5 storylines for Week 9 on Thursday Night Football
By Peter Panacy
The San Francisco 49ers and Oakland Raiders square off on a short week in Week 9 on Thursday Night Football, and both are searching for their second win of 2018. Here are some notable storylines for the game.
Well, this Week 9 Thursday Night Football bout between the visiting Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers was supposed to be a lot more exciting and hyped than it will be.
With both teams sitting at one win apiece, the only real bragging right from this Bay Area rivalry will be which team isn’t the worst in Northern California.
For the Raiders, 2018 has been more about head coach Jon Gruden’s disassembly of a roster many thought would turn the page on a forgettable effort last year. And while Oakland moved a number of key roster pieces, namely EDGE Khalil Mack and wide receiver Amari Cooper, earlier this season, quarterback Derek Carr remains cemented in place.
The Niners, however, might be down to their third-string quarterback Thursday night. Just before the Oct. 30 NFL trade deadline, head coach Kyle Shanahan informed the media now-starting quarterback C.J. Beathard suffered a wrist injury during the team’s 18-15 loss to the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday.
As a result, Shanahan might be forced to start second-year pro Nick Mullens under center.
It will likely be a game-time decision. But given the short week, injuries and banged-up players are going to be a major storyline for both squads. Especially for San Francisco, as its injury report continues to be lengthy.
So while this prime-time matchup might not be as exciting for the casual NFL fan around the league, let’s take a look at the key storylines both 49ers and Raiders fans may be interested in this upcoming Thursday night.
Starting off with the possibility of Mullens seeing time under center.