Oakland Raiders: Richie Incognito suspended, Denzelle Good’s opportunity
The NFL suspended Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito for two games. Denzelle Good will have a short window to audition as a starter.
Oakland Raiders guard Richie Incognito will serve a two-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. In his absence, Denzelle Good will have a short window to show he’s a starting-caliber player.
According to NBCS Bay Area’s Scott Bair, the Raiders knew Incognito would be subject to a suspension. Last August, Incognito was arrested for disorderly conduct at a funeral home that arranged for his father’s services. Clearly, Oakland felt comfortable with the 36-year old moving forward.
“There’s a chance there could be league discipline,” general manager Mike Mayock said during organized team activities, per NBC Sports. “We don’t know what it will be, but it’s a one-year minimum prove-it deal, and we feel that he’s incentivized properly to stay straight. We can’t control what the NFL will do.”
The league came to a decision that will keep Incognito on the sidelines for a pair of home games against the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs. In the meantime, Good can take advantage of an opportunity. According to Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Michael Gehlken, he’s taken reps that suggest his role as the primary alternative to the four-time Pro Bowler:
Denzelle Good is projected to be Raiders’ starting left guard vs. Broncos, Chiefs to start season. Reps in training camp to reflect that. But Incognito could be answer thereafter. After legal incidents in 2018, Raiders were aware of possible suspension when signing him in May. https://t.co/C0zS5rcUrs
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) July 12, 2019
Good made three consecutive starts at right guard in the final three games of the 2018 regular season. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he allowed nine quarterback hurries.
Good’s two-game audition could extend his future outlook with the team. Oakland signed Incognito to a one-year deal. If he’s one and done, the Raiders will have a vacant spot at left guard going into the 2020 campaign. Barring an extension, the 27-year old will also hit the free-agent market next offseason.
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In the first two games, Good will match up with Derek Wolfe and Adam Gotsis in the home opener. For the second contest, he could see defensive tackle Chris Jones, assuming the Chiefs come to terms with him on an extension, ending his holdout.
With a solid two-game start and his versatility, Good can carve out a decent reserve role, potentially compete for a starting spot with the Raiders or another club in the near future.