Denver Kirkland/Jordan Devey
The regular season hasn’t begun yet, and already the Raiders have suffered a significant blow. According to updated sources, right guard Gabe Jackson suffered an MCL injury in the second joint practice with the Rams. The injury will keep him out roughly eight weeks, dealing more damage to an offensive line that will also be without Richie Incognito for the first two games.
In Jackson’s absence, Denver Kirkland and Jordan Devey split first-team reps. The Raiders will no doubt have to shuffle the roster and possibly tinker with the rotations. If Kirkland and Devey shared first-team reps in their joint practice, chances are they will also see significant snaps in Saturday’s preseason opener.
It will be vital that either or both have a solid outing against the Rams, even if it be during a preseason game. Now with Jackson out for a majority of the season, his absence adds another hurdle the Raiders must withstand to stay afloat this season.