Oakland Raiders: David Sharpe could make impression with Donald Penn out

Donald Penn’s expected absence early in the offseason program gives David Sharpe an early opportunity to impress the new coaching staff.

Last year, a holdout kept Donald Penn off the field until the third preseason game. In the upcoming offseason, we may not see the Oakland Raiders‘ starting left tackle on the practice field until August. Per The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, Penn said at a youth camp that he will likely sit out OTAs with his foot rehab to “build up strength.”

Penn will turn 35 years old in April. He’s going into his 12th year in the league with ties to head coach Jon Gruden dating back to a short Tampa Bay Buccaneers stint between the 2007-08 seasons. Barring severe injury, he’s almost a lock to play out his contract through the 2019 campaign.

The veteran left tackle doesn’t need organized activities to prepare for the season. The coaching staff will likely ease him into routine during training camp. More importantly, Penn must keep up with his body conditioning, which he’s focused on while rehabbing his foot injury:

In the meantime, former fourth-rounder David Sharpe will likely absorb the practice reps at left tackle with Penn on the sideline. In the previous offseason, Marshall Newhouse spent significant time on quarterback Derek Carr’s blindside. He’s now under contract with the Buffalo Bills.

Before the coaching staff changes, many expected Sharpe to push for a starting role on the right side or take over for Penn if necessary.

At the beginning of the offseason program, the Raiders will have question marks at both spots. The Florida product could make waves early in the team’s practice regime as a standout asset on the offensive line.

Once he’s healthy, Penn will reclaim his position on the left side. However, a setback or an opening on the right creates an opportunity for Sharpe to put a stronghold on a starting spot.

Gruden doesn’t have a feel for the young players on the roster beyond watching their film. As the case with any new staff, it’s important to make a good first impression.

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Sharpe played 124 snaps and started the last two games of the previous season when Penn went down with an injury. The second-year offensive tackle could take another step in his progression as a pro, and it starts with early first-team reps in the spring.