The Oakland Raiders' offensive line problems are only getting worse. First the team lost star left tackle Jared Veldheer to a torn triceps muscle. That caused issues right from the start. Now, the Raiders are losing rookie Menelik Watson for at least a month to knee surgery.
Raiders fans know just how important that offensive line will be to them this season. The five up front will likely dictate their record this season since the team is working with a new quarterback. All things looked fine until Veldheer went out. The star was placed on short-term injured reserve with designation to return meaning the team could get him back by Week 8 at the earliest. Until then, Watson was expected to fill in.
Watson was drafted in the second round back in April. He was considered raw talent with plenty of athleticism. The Raiders were expecting him to grow into a star. He missed all of the preseason due to a calf injury and will now be out at least a month after tearing his lateral meniscus. ESPN reports Watson underwent surgery this week.
Prior to the season, Watson was actually Plan C for Oakland, but eventually became Plan A. Veldheer's injury led to Alex Barron starting at left tackle. Barron failed miserably at the job. He was responsible for six sacks on Matt Flynn during the preseason. He failed to mesh into the role of being a starter and was eventually released. A semi-healthy Watson became the immediate starter in his place.
Watson did not start against the Indianapolis Colts after expressing knee discomfort. Khalif Barnes moved into the left tackle where he will now stay for at least a month. Barnes is more comfortable playing the right side of the line, but Dennis Allen has no other option but to move him over. Newly signed Tony Pashos will likely take over the right side now for Barnes. Pashos and Barnes have played together in the past at Jacksonville. Their previously built chemistry could actually benefit the Raiders.
The re-arranged offensive line will be tested against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. At this moment, the Raiders look like a team on the rise with Pryor leading the offense while Jacksonville is likely headed towards disappointment. It will be a good game to test out the rotation and chemistry of the line.
