Oakland Raiders: Assessing potential options at left guard

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Carr No. 4 and Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders stand on the sidelines as the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their 19-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 25: Derek Carr No. 4 and Gabe Jackson No. 66 of the Oakland Raiders stand on the sidelines as the Philadelphia Eagles celebrate their 19-10 win at Lincoln Financial Field on December 25, 2017 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images)
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 17: Richie Incognito #64 of the Buffalo Bills spikes the ball after LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills scored a touchdown during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins on December 17, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 17: Richie Incognito #64 of the Buffalo Bills spikes the ball after LeSean McCoy #25 of the Buffalo Bills scored a touchdown during the first quarter against the Miami Dolphins on December 17, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)

The Oakland Raiders will be making early roster adjustments at left guard with the two-game suspension of Richie Incognito. Here are the potential options at their disposal.

The news of Richie Incognito’s suspension likely did not come as a shocker, but his absence will undoubtedly be felt for the first two games of the 2019 season. The Oakland Raiders kick off their schedule with two early divisional matchups against the Denver Broncos in Week 1, and the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 2.

Without Incognito, the projected starter at left guard, its next man up to help protect Derek Carr under center.

Oakland has a few options at their disposal, and time will tell what Jon Gruden and company decide to do. Yet against two divisional opponents, chances are you don’t want to get risky and forfeit a chance at starting the season strong. You also want to ensure the best protection up front for Carr, especially after the shaky performance from the offensive line a season ago.

Here are the potential routes the Raiders can go moving forward without Richie Incognito for the first two games of the season.

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