Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Oakland Raiders quarterback Derek Carr (4) takes the snap from offensive lineman Rodney Hudson (61) in the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Offensive Line
Left Tackle: Donald Penn, Reserve: Matt McCants
Left Guard: Gabe Jackson, Reserve: Jon Feliciano
Center: Rodney Hudson, Reserve: Tony Bergstrom
Right Guard: J’Marcus Webb, Reserve: Khalif Barnes
Right Tackle: Austin Howard
Improvements have been made to the Raiders offensive line throughout the offseason, as free agent additions Rodney Hudson and J’Marcus Webb assume starting roles, but the right side took a major hit in Sunday’s game against Arizona.
Projected starting right tackle Menelik Watson reportedly ruptured his Achilles tendon in the first quarter, as he announced his injury via Twitter shortly after.
Ruptured Achilles' tendon... I Will be back stronger than ever that's a promise. Main thing is supporting the team right now. #RaiderNation
— Menelik Watson (@MenelikWatson) August 31, 2015
Unfortunately for Oakland, Watson will not be coming back stronger anytime this season, as the injury will sideline the former Florida State Seminole for the entire 2015 season.
The man set to replace Watson in the starting lineup is 2014 free agent addition Austin Howard. After signing a five-year, $30 million contract in March of last year, Howard started in all 16 games for the Raiders throughout the 2014 season.
An important reserve player to keep an eye on is rookie offensive guard Jon Feliciano. The former University of Miami (Fla.) offensive linemen has been learning from newly acquired offensive line coach Mike Tice, and his improvement has apparently been showing on the field.
Jon Feliciano, last week’s +2.4 grade and a +1.5. Allowed one QB hurry and his +3.8 run-blocking grade is best on the team #Raiders - PFF
— JB 🖤 ☠ (@Carrmageddon4) August 24, 2015
Feliciano will most likely not see the field during the regular season outside of another injury occurring, but it is still encouraging to see him soldifying himself as a quality backup.
Next: Oakland Raiders Roster Projections: Defensive Line