Head coach Jack Del Rio, technically, left himself some wiggle room. Asked on Wednesday if newly acquired linebacker NaVorro Bowman would play Thursday night, Del Rio said, “Probably.”
But the smirk on Del Rio’s face suggested there’s not a shred of doubt that Bowman will make his Raiders debut against division rival Kansas City.
Bowman brings instant credibility to a young, injury-depleted linebacking corps. And the Raiders, 2-4 and threatening to plunge out of sight, need all the help they can get in trying to avoid a five-game losing streak.
Bowman joined his new teammates on the practice field for the third consecutive day Wednesday, as the Raiders scramble to integrate him into their defense during a short week.