The Oakland Raiders have been dealt some bad news ahead of their big game with the Kansas City Chiefs. Starting left guard Kelechi Osemele will not be available.
Kelechi Osemele has been scratched tonight due to illness.
— Jimmy Durkin (@Jimmy_Durkin) December 8, 2016
This is a big loss for the Raiders. Given the cold expected in Kansas City on Thursday, the running game figures to be important. Osemele has been a big part of an Oakland rushing attack that ranks seventh in the NFL in rushing yards and is tied for ninth in yards per attempt. He figured to be a big part of the Raiders’ attempt to keep the Kansas City interior — anchored by Dontari Poe — in check.
Osemele has started in all 12 of Oakland’s games during the 2016 season and is a likely Pro Bowler.