Raiders DC: Preparing for Chiefs with COVID-19 absences is 'daunting task'

The Las Vegas Raiders already beat the Kansas City Chiefs this season, but defensive coordinator Paul Guenther is unsure if they'll be able to sweep their division rival with a COVID-19 outbreak keeping multiple starting defenders from practice this week.

"I don't know how we can beat these guys with a full lineup at practice, let alone three-fourths of your lineup not here all week," Guenther told reporters Thursday ahead of Sunday's game, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.

"What don't they have? We're playing the world champs," he continued. "What don't they have? They have a great quarterback, great receivers, great tight ends, line is physical. And they're coming off a bye, so it's a daunting task."

There are currently 10 Raiders defenders on the reserve/COVID-19 list, including linebacker Cory Littleton, defensive end Clelin Ferrell, and defensive backs Johnathan Abram and Lamarcus Joyner.

Littleton and Ferrell recently tested positive for the virus, and some of their teammates were placed on the reserve group after being deemed high-risk close contacts. They now all need to register consecutive negative test results for the rest of the week to be eligible to play Sunday night.

"I know one thing, we're going to show up at 5:20 (PT) and we're going to give 100%, because that's what we do," Guenther added. "We'll get these guys ready to play. Whoever is out there at 5:20, they'll be ready to go."

The 6-3 Raiders - the only team to defeat Kansas City this year - will try to extend their three-game winning streak against the 8-1 Chiefs, who have won their last four matchups.

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