Raiders Suffer Blow to Offensive Line with Menelik Watson Injury
The Oakland Raiders suffered a major blow to their offense when staring right tackle Menelik Watson exited last nights preseason game. The three-year veteran confirmed on Twitter last night the worst possible outcome: a ruptured achillies tendon. The injury all but ends Watson’s season and sends him on the long path to recovery.
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
Drafted out of Florida State by the Raiders in 2013, Watson played 12 games in 2014 and eventually got a chance to start. He’s played in 17 career games, while starting in 12 of those.
Replacing Watson will be Austin Howard, who signed a five-year, $30 million contract with the team prior to last season. Howard was originally signed as an underrated free agent by the Eagles in 2010, and has since spent time with the Ravens and Jets.
Only time will tell how this affects Derek Carr and the rest of the Raiders offense. Carr had looked well earlier in the preseason, but was obviously rattled against the Cardinals. He’s voiced his displeasure in not being able to score enough points, as the offense has only combined to score 53 points in their first three games. They currently sit with a 1-2 preseason record
On the bright side for Oakland, young stars Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper have looked fantastic so far. Coopers game is really transitioning well to the next level and Mack is just a brutal force rushing the quarterback. While the whole puzzle isn’t in the box just yet, there are some pieces to build around.