Oakland Raiders: Did Giorgio Tavecchio’s struggles open the door for Sebastian Janikowski’s return?

After Giorgio Tavecchio missed two field goals and drew a false start penalty in Week 7, the Oakland Raiders may turn back to Sebastian Janikowski.

We often hear about quarterback controversies. At times, one signal-caller goes down with an injury, and the backup plays well enough to hold the starting job. In today’s NFL, it’s important to field an accurate kicker—just ask the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The Oakland Raiders may have a special teams controversy in the coming weeks.

Like the Raiders as an organization, kicker Sebastian Janikowski went through a rough offseason. He dealt with a quad issue during the preseason, per NBC Bay Area reporter Scott Bair:

Then, the front office asked him to take a pay cut, which he initially declined while battling a significant back injury that eventually landed him on injured reserve before Week 1:

Fortunately, the career-long Raider and general manager Reggie McKenzie came to an agreement, which cut $1 million off the kicker’s salary, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter:

Giorgio Tavecchio, who signed with Oakland in each of the past four offseasons, finally had an opportunity to kick during the regular season when the games count. In the following eight weeks, the Raiders would find out if they have their kicker for the future. Remember, Janikowski’s contract expires after the current season. He’ll turn 40 in March.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

As it stands, which kicker has the upper hand in finishing the season in December?

Until Tavecchio’s Week 7 gaffes, most would say the new kicker earned a permanent spot on the roster. He only missed one extra-point attempt off a bad snap but converted all his field-goal attempts into points before the Kansas City Chiefs game. Then, mini disaster struck his chances in the previous contest.

Chiefs cornerback Eric Murray blocked Tavecchio’s first attempt with 4:56 left in the second quarter. On the following offensive drive before the halftime, he pushed the ball wide left. You can almost see two months of confidence leave his body. Game jitters may have factored into his false start penalty in the third quarter. Fortunately, he finished with a 26-yard kick between the uprights and a game-winning extra point to wash away the early miscues.

Nonetheless, it’s fair to ask whether the Raiders feel comfortable with Tavecchio in high-pressure situations late in the season when the weather also becomes a factor. We already know he can drill a 50-plus yarder in fair weather, but does the 27-year-old have ice in his veins with the game resting on his foot from 45 yards out?

We’re not talking about a 33-yard extra-point attempt. How about 46 yards away in Lincoln Financial Field with screaming Philadelphia Eagles fans in light snow? Janikowski has the experience. He knows how to calm himself when there’s chaos around him. There’s no prior track record for Tavecchio other than his missteps in Week 7.

Before the previous outing, Tavecchio has been solid, converting on his first nine field-goal attempts. Assuming Janikowski can return to action in the second half of the season with a $3.3 million cap hit on his deal, per Spotrac, should he take over kicking duties?

The Raiders can only return two players from injured reserve. Safety Obi Melifonwu returned to practice on Oct. 17 and seems like he’s on track to play at some point this season, per Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Michael Gehlken:

If Janikowski fully heals from the disc issue in his back and the Raiders have a legitimate shot at a playoff berth, he should return to action. According to the NFL rules, Oakland will have 21 days after eligibility to notify the league office of an injured-reserve return designation.

Next: 2018 NFL Draft: Oakland Raiders 7-round mock draft in October

For Tavecchio and Janikowski, the clock continues to tick, but the edge goes to the 18th-year veteran with a team still in postseason contention. The upcoming game against the Buffalo Bills could make the decision easier or more difficult for the coaching staff.