The Oakland Raiders have a void to fill at right guard, and they’re willing to look elsewhere to address a hole on the interior of the offensive line.
The Oakland Raiders went into the offseason hoping to line up Richie Incognito and Gabe Jackson at guard, but a suspension for the former, which was expected, along with an injury to the latter will change that plan.
Following the Raiders’ preseason opener against the Los Angeles Rams, head coach Jon Gruden said Jordan Devey would have the initial shot to claim the right guard position. Jackson’s MCL injury will keep him sidelined for at least the first month of the regular season.
According to Las Vegas Review-Journal‘s Michael Gehlken, the Raiders will explore trade options before final cuts Aug. 31.
Raiders are scouring waiver wire and have begun contacting other clubs to gauge which guards will become available as Aug. 31 roster cutdown nears, source said. Team open to a trade before Aug. 31, which would allow it to circumvent the waiver system and address position of need.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 12, 2019
For now, Jonathan Cooper seems set to start at left guard during Incognito’s two-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy. He’s also played right guard in his career.
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Devey has starting experience as well, opening 17 contests with the first unit in five seasons. He lined up at center against the Rams Saturday. Denver Kirkland and Justin Murray split snaps at right guard.
Devey’s strong pass-blocking performance, giving up zero pressures, per Pro Football Focus (subscription required) likely led to Gruden’s postgame decision. Kirkland allowed a quarterback hit and Murray surrendered a sack, according to PFF.
Despite the short-term confidence in Devey, the Raiders should leave their options open and scoop a guard who’s in danger of missing the 53-man cut. Because Jackson will miss a considerable amount of time with a knee injury, the opening-week starter at right guard may play a third of the year.
Remember, the Raiders will travel to London for a Week 6 game against the Chicago Bears, which precedes their bye. The coaching staff may not want to see a matchup between Jackson, coming off an injury, and Akiem Hicks, who’s a powerhouse on the interior, logging at least seven sacks in each of the last three seasons.
Kirkland and Murray will probably continue to see backup snaps behind Devey. For those asking about undrafted rookie guard Lester Cotton Sr., he lined up strictly on the left side during the last outing.
Unless Devey looks stellar on the interior, expect general manager Mike Mayock to execute a deal in time to insert that player into a preseason contest before the games count in September.