HENDERSON, Nev. (AP) — Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll sounded both exasperated and optimistic about the state of his team on Monday.

He didn't expect such a tough start that included a 31-0 loss at Kansas City on Sunday that wasn't as close the score indicated.

But Carroll also spoke hopefully of a return for injured players Brock Bowers (knee), Jakobi Meyers (knee and toe) and Maxx Crosby (knee and back) when Las Vegas returns to action after this weekend's bye.

He has reason to believe those players will make a substantial difference because they were on the field for this season's opener, when Las Vegas played its best game in a 20-13 victory at New England that looks more impressive — and surprising — by the week.

Now the Raiders are 2-5 and look much closer to last seaso

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