The Las Vegas Raiders haven’t done much of anything right this season, but it seemed like the offensive line was finally starting to figure things out between the Jacksonville Jaguars game and the early moments of the Denver Broncos game. The Raiders were running the ball well in Week 10 before starting right guard Jackson Powers-Johnson had to leave the game.
After he left, Las Vegas could not move the ball on the ground. Once the game ended, head coach Pete Carroll revealed that Powers-Johnson suffered a serious ankle injury and would be out for “a while.”
Unfortunately, it looks like the injury might’ve been even worse than expected. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Powers-Johnson is headed to Injured Reserve, and his season could be over.
It’s not clear yet exactly what happened, but the Raiders have to hope that his Achilles tendon is intact. Powers-Johnson has had his lumps this season, but he might be the best run-blocking offensive lineman on the team. He’s also a young player who needs reps.
This is a huge blow to an offensive line that is already without starting left tackle Kolton Miller for the rest of the season. Things aren’t about to get easier for Las Vegas.
Geno Smith Is in for a Rough Rest of the Season
Quarterback Geno Smith has already been sacked 27 times this season, which is fourth-most in the NFL. He also messed up his quad against the Broncos. Powers-Johnson wasn’t perfect in pass protection this season, but he’s much better than Alex Cappa, who will likely replace him in the starting lineup.
That’s not to mention that starting left guard Dylan Parham also got banged up against Denver. Smith is having a terrible season, and it’s hard to see it getting any better with the offensive line falling apart.
Will Putnam Might Have to Step Up
The Raiders are at the point where young players need to step up. 2024 undrafted free agent signing Will Putnam replaced Parham against Denver and held his own.
Smith was impressed with what Putnam was able to do, considering his lack of experience.
“We’re going against a tough defense. Of course, every defense in the NFL is going to be tough. And we got the next man up mentality around here. I thought Will Putnam stepped in and played a tremendous game,” Smith said after the Broncos loss.
“I mean, for him to get some of his first action in a long time, I thought he did what he needed to do to allow us to move the ball. Obviously, we know what (Alex Cappa) can do. He stepped in there and he did his job. We’re down Kolton Miller, as well. I mean, there’s some guys that aren’t in there, but those guys stepped in and they did what they had to do. We fought to the end, had a shot at the end, and we just didn’t get it done.”
The Raiders can’t do much this season, so it’s time to start giving young players more chances to play. Don’t be surprised if Putnam potentially replaces Cappa on the right side if Parham is healthy.
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