The Las Vegas Raiders will host the Buffalo Bills on Sunday at Allegiant Stadium without defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway, who has been ruled out due to a concussion. Hemingway has been a key part of the Raiders’ defensive tackle rotation, leading all Raiders defensive linemen with 14 tackles, including one for a loss, and adding three passes defensed this season.
Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi said Hemingway’s absence is a big loss, calling him a rising athlete who is excellent at what he does, really smart, fast, and skilled at managing game situations. Fatukasi added that while the loss hurts, the team must rise up and handle the task at hand.
Coach Klint Kubiak praised Hemingway as a very steady leader who had a strong April and training camp, noting his absence creates opportunities for others. The Raiders will likely rely on regulars like Fatukasi, Thomas Booker IV, Adam Butler, and Jonah Laulu to increase their playing time and impact.
Booker IV emphasized the team’s next-man-up mentality, saying they must handle the load until Hemingway returns and expressing confidence in the group’s ability to step up. The Bills present a tough challenge with James Cook leading the league in rushing last year and Josh Allen’s dual-threat ability, including his effectiveness in the modified tush push play that strains the interior defensive line.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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