DENVER — The Raiders downgraded Michael Crabtree to doubtful Saturday with a chest injury, meaning they’ll face the Denver Broncos without their most wide receiver reliable receiver.
Crabtree was originally listed as questionable Friday, but not long after the club arrived in Denver, the club announced he was now officially “doubtful.” Technically, that means there’s about a 20 percent chance Crabtree could play. Realistically, players dowgraded to that status the day before the game are almost never active on game day.
The Raiders visit the Broncos Sunday at 1:25 p.m. at Sports Authority Field.
Crabtree was injured against Washington, taking a shot to the chest while reaching for a Derek Carr pass. He left the game and did not return. The veteran receiver was on the field Wednesday and Thursday and listed as questionable, but for that designation he had to do little more than put on a uniform and take the field.
With Crabtree on the sidelines, Amari Cooper and Seth Roberts become the primary targets against an excellent Denver secondary nicknamed the “No Fly Zone” featuring cornerbacks Aqib Talib, Chris Harris Jr. and Bradley Roby.
Crabtree is the co-leader in receptions with 13 along with tight end Jared Cook and his 170 yards and three receiving touchdowns lead the Raiders.
If the Raiders continue to make use of multiple wide receiver sets, the Cordarrelle Patterson and Johnny Holton will get increased work. Other options include using more formations with extra tight ends, with Clive Walford playing a bigger role, and utilizing fullback Jamize Olawale as an extra presence in the backfield along with Marshawn Lynch, Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington.
Crabtree, 30, has played in 35 straight games since signing with the Raiders as an unrestricted free agent after six seasons with the 49ers. His 20 touchdown receptions Carr during that span lead the team.
