The Las Vegas Raiders travel to Santa Clara, California, this week for a Week 9 contest against the NFC West-leading San Francisco 49ers. Las Vegas enters the game having ended a four-game losing streak with a 38-33 victory over the New York Jets on Sunday.
Coach Klint Kubiak is scheduled to speak with the media Friday at the team's headquarters in Henderson. The matchup presents a family storyline, pitting Klint against his brother Klay, who serves as the 49ers' offensive coordinator in his second year with San Francisco.
Several Raiders players have Bay Area ties. Guard Spencer Burford will return to Santa Clara, where he spent his entire career with the 49ers before signing with Las Vegas this year. Meanwhile, the Raiders' secondary struggled against the Jets, though veterans emphasized a next-play mentality to finish the game strong.
The franchise's Bay Area roots remain evident, as Raiders fans in the region stay loyal to the silver and black, particularly those associated with The Black Hole. Owner Mark Davis acknowledged the number of visiting fans at Allegiant Stadium, saying he is not upset and hopes winning will reverse the trend.
In roster moves, the Raiders re-signed Cody White on Thursday and waived a tight end who had been activated in White's roster spot. Guard Jackson Powers-Johnson, who lost his starting job to rookie Trey Zuhn III, said he wants to be a good teammate while contributing on special teams.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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