It wasn't so long ago that the Raiders had one of the league's best offensive lines. Now they're starting a pair of rookie tackles, and it's a suspect group. The offense has been performing at a respectable level in most early games, but we'll see if it catches up with them.
Donald Penn was the team's left tackle not so long ago. They drafted Kolton Miller in the first round, and started him out right in that spot. He's drawn mostly poor reviews, but give the Raiders some credit, at least, for recognizing a problem with Penn. They moved him to the right side, but now he's out for the year with a groin injury. Another rookie, Brandon Parker, is in that spot now.
Another tackle injury, to a better player. Joe Staley left the Niners game last Sunday. The team is saying the injury isn't serious, but he hasn't practiced yet this week. Iffy for this week's game.
The Dolphins have lost center Daniel Kilgore (arm) for the season. They signed Wesley Johnson, but will probably give Travis Swanson first crack at the job. While losing a center is never ideal, Kilgore isn't a good player, so the downgrade might not be noticeable.
Good news for Carolina, which should get guard Trai Turner back from a concussion for the Week 5 contest. He was practicing early this week after missing two games.
The Cardinals should get Andre Smith back from an elbow injury this week. The right tackle has missed the last three games, but is expected to return.
Updated rankings below; colorful table on our Facebook page shows evaluations of each player.
OFFENSIVE LINE RANKINGS | |
---|---|
Rk | Team |
1. | New Orleans |
2. | Philadelphia |
3. | Pittsburgh |
4. | LA Rams |
5. | LA Chargers |
6. | Atlanta |
7. | Dallas |
8. | Green Bay |
9. | New England |
10. | Tennessee |
11. | Kansas City |
12. | Jacksonville |
13. | Washington |
14. | Baltimore |
15. | San Francisco |
16. | Chicago |
17. | Oakland |
18. | Tampa Bay |
19. | Denver |
20. | Detroit |
21. | Minnesota |
22. | Seattle |
23. | Cincinnati |
24. | Carolina |
25. | NY Jets |
26. | Indianapolis |
27. | Cleveland |
28. | Miami |
29. | NY Giants |
30. | Houston |
31. | Arizona |
32. | Buffalo |