Nick Bosa takes part in Wednesday's practice

Kirk Cousins and Ashton Jeanty did not participate in Wednesday's practice as the Raiders enter their final full week of preparation before Week 1, per NBC Sports. The absence of the quarterback and lead running back creates an immediate gap in offensive installation and rhythm-building, especially for a team banking on Cousins' veteran precision and Jeanty's early-down dominance to establish offensive identity.

The timing is brutal. Preseason games have concluded; this is the window where coordinators lock in red-zone packages, third-down conversions, and two-minute scenarios. Cousins and Jeanty cannot be replaced in those meetings or on the field without fracturing continuity. Whether the absences are precautionary, injury-related, or rest-based remains unknown—Raiders coaches typically offer minimal detail mid-week—but the practical effect is identical: two first-option playmakers get diminished reps at a stage of the calendar when marginal improvements compound directly into Sunday performance.

Jeanty arrives as a lead-back prospect expected to carry the Raiders' ground game; his absence limits film study with the offensive line and pass-protection assignments that rookies especially need to ingrain. Cousins, signed to anchor the offense after a ACL tear ended his 2024 season with Minnesota, needs to verify his mobility and decision-making against looks that resemble Week 1's opponent. Even one day of missed prep can translate to hesitation on reads or over-reliance on pre-snap communication rather than live progression.

For bettors, this creates a transparency problem dressed as injury caution. If either player misses Thursday or Friday practice, Game Day availability moves into serious doubt. Raiders team totals and Cousins' passing-yards lines were priced assuming full health and weekly rhythm; a starter sitting out four practices in a row would trigger line compression downward—fewer plays called, shorter average drive length, reduced vertical aggression. Watch Thursday's participation report carefully. If Cousins or Jeanty are ruled out again, prop buyers face a narrow window before Friday night close to fade overs on both passing volume and rushing attempts, because Raiders coaching staff will shift game plan toward conservative execution rather than explosive playmaking. The market has not yet fully adjusted for the possibility of a compromised first game.