What condition the position is in: Assessing Raiders level of need along interior Oline

What kind of shape the Raiders are in at center and guard heading into the offseason.

With free agency a month away, it’s time to check in on the Raiders’ interior offensive line positions to give it a condition of either Strong, Stable, Unstable, Serious, or Critical.

Starters: Jackson Powers-Johnson, Andre James, Jordan Meredith

Backups: Dylan Parham, Will Putnam

Free agents: Cody Whitehair

The offensive line was in flux all last season. With the starters cycling in and out in part to injury and in part to try and find the best combination. Rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson was injured early on, then started at left guard before moving to center for the injured Andre James and then shifting back to left guard due to other injuries and James being healthy again. Parham struggled in his 14 starts while Meredith appeared to show himself to be a better option.

Condition: Unstable

They could probably run it back with JPJ at left guard, James at center, and Meredith at right guard with Parham as a utility reserve. But JPJ is the best center on this team, and if he is to play there, they would have to figure out what to do with James and would also need to upgrade the guard position so as to not have a letdown overall on the interior.

Raiders trio assessed fines from Week 17 action

A trio of Raiders were assessed fines from NFL from Las Vegas’ Week 17 contest at New Orleans.

The NFL announced fines from Week 17 action and a trio of Raiders got hit in the pocketbook for penalties during Las Vegas’ 25-10 victory at New Orleans.

Las Vegas defensive tackle Adam Butler and Raiders right guard Dylan Parham were each fined for unnecessary roughness, while Las Vegas defensive end Andre Carter was fined for roughing the quarterback. Butler was fined $9,653, Parham $7,774 and Carter $5,083.

Despite the unnecessary roughness, Butler has enjoyed a nice 2024 season with the Raiders after inking back with the franchise in free agency last offseason on a one-year, $1.9 million deal.

Butler has tallied 61 tackles thus far this season, including seven tackles for loss and four sacks. The Vanderbilt alum has recorded sacks in five of his past seven games. Butler forced a fumble from Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler in the win.

Parham’s unnecessary roughness penalty came on the Raiders’ second series when he got in a dust-up with Saints cornerback Alontae Taylor. Carter’s roughing the passer foul occurred on the first snap of New Orleans’ final offensive series of the game.

Carter was able to quickly wipe any frustration from that roughing the passer penalty. The 6-foot-6, 256 pound defensive end out of Army combined with safety Thomas Harper to record his first NFL sack five plays later.

The Raiders signed Carter off the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad on Dec. 18 to help fill the void on the edge after Maxx Crosby was lost for the remainder of the season.

Parham has appeared in 14 games this season for the Raiders and started 13.

Busters for Raiders Week 16 win vs Jaguars

When you have to come from behind to just barely beat the worst team in football, there were mistakes made.

Beating the Jaguars is a W just like any other. But the Jags may just be the worst team in football. And Mac Jones is not a starting QB. Hell, he may not be an NFL QB. And yet the Raiders still just managed a come-from-behind win while failing to hit 20 points.

Busters

LT Kolton Miller

The second Raiders possession lasted just four plays. On third-and-14 Miller didn’t switch on the stunt to give up the sack.

In the second quarter, the Raiders moved into scoring range at the 24, at which point Miller gave up a tackle for loss. Two plays later, they settled for a field goal. The next drive, they were in third-and-six and Miller was flagged for a false start. They would end up punting.

A holding penalty on Miller would kill a drive in the third quarter.

RG Dylan Parham

The Raiders got a big play on their first play of the day with the 32-yard catch and run by Brock Bowers. But the drive would back up from there. First with Parham flagged for holding. Then with him giving up a six-yard sack on the next play. They didn’t even try to pick up the third-and-26, choosing to run for a few yards and then punt.

Early in the second quarter, the Raiders got their first touchdown. Alexander Mattison ran it in from one yard out. But it was harder than it had to be because Parham was slow on the pull block and ended up just getting in Mattison’s way. First with him running into Parham’s back, and then trying not to trip over him rolling on the turf in front of him.

In the third quarter, he gave up a batted ball at the line on third down to force a punt.

He gets credit for laying the key block on the Raiders’ second TD run, but on the two-point conversion attempt, he gave up the pressure causing Aidan O’Connell to have to throw the ball away.

He would give up a tackle for loss on a drive in the fourth quarter to lead out the final series with a punt.

CB Jack Jones

Twice in this game, the Jaguars had the lead. Both times it was on a catch given up by Jones. The first touchdown drive, Jones gave up 16-yard catch on third and nine to keep the drive alive and set them up at the 12-yard-line. They would get the touchdown to take a 7-0 lead.

Late in the third quarter, with the Raiders clinging to a 13-7 lead, Jaguars rookie phenom receiver Brian Thomas got wide open on the left side. He got so wide open because Jack Jones blew the coverage, staying with the short receiver despite Tre’von Moehrig already there. Thomas went 62 yards and literally walked in for the score to give the Jags as 14-13 lead heading into the fourth quarter.

He also gave up a 20-yard catch on the Jaguars final drive which was their final first down of the game.

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Busters for Raiders Week 11 loss to Dolphins

Those Raiders who had the worst day against the Dolphins in week 11.

Enough with the little positives. Let’s look at the glaring negatives. And when you fail to stop a team to force a single punt or turnover, naturally there are going to be plenty of those.

Busters

LB Divine Deablo

The first play of the game, he was in the wrong gap to give up a five-yard run. Two plays later, on the first third down play of the game, Deablo ran into a receiver to give up a 17-yard catch then gave up a seven-yard catch on the next play to put the Dolphins in scoring range. they would go on to score an opening drive touchdown.

He was blocked on a ten-yard run to lead off the Dolphins second scoring drive.

In the third quarter, the Dolphins could go on another touchdown drive. Along with way, Deablo had missed tackles on consecutive plays. Then on first and goal from the four-yard-line, he was called for a facemask that offset a holding penalty on the Dolphins so they just replayed the down.

And finally, the game clinching touchdown, Deablo was supposed to be covering Jonnu Smith, but instead just let him go by him, where he was completely wide open for a 57-yard touchdown.

S Isaiah Pola-Mao

Pola-Mao gave up the first touchdown of the game when he was late getting over in coverage on fourth and goal from the two.

Their second touchdown was set up by a 30-yard run on which Pola-Mao missed the tackle to put them in first and goal at the four.

And on the final TD, Pola-Mao committed to the right side of the field and ended up covering no one while leaving the entire middle of the field complete wide open for Jonnu Smith all alone to go 57 yards for the score.

CB DeCamerion Richardson

With Jakorian Bennett lost on the second play of the game, the rookie was pressed into service. And he didn’t fair well to say the least.

Richardson gave up a 16-yard catch on the first drive that set the Dolphins up at the Vegas 12-yard line. Then on the next drive, he gave up a 24-yard catch that set them up at the 16-yard line.

The second touchdown of the game for the Dolphins was given up by Richardson from nine yards out.

The next drive, he gave up a 14-yard catch on third and four, and finally failed to keep containment on the edge to allow for an easy run around the left side for the touchdown.

RT DJ Glaze, RG Dylan Parham

The Raiders got a reprieve on their first drive of the game when Calais Campbell was flagged for roughing the kicker on their punt attempt. They too advantage and moved into goal to go at the ten. Then on second and goal, Parham gave up the sack to back them up to the 18. They gave up on scoring the TD after that and kicked the field goal.

The next drive, they again drove into goal to go. And again, it was pressure that killed their shot. This time it was Glaze giving up pressure that forced a throw short of the first down and they again settled for three instead of six.

The Raiders got the ball to start the second half, and promptly went three-and-out. Because Glaze gave up pressure on third down again, leading to a bad pass that fell incomplete.

They would finally punch it in in the third quarter, but when they went for two to try and make it a three-point game, Parham got shucked to give up a run stuff for a loss.

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Raiders to field 6th different starting OL of the season Week 11 vs Dolphins

When the Raiders take the field against the Dolphins week 11, they will have their sixth different starting offensive line combination.

Sunday when the Raiders take the field on offense against the Dolphins in Miami, the offensive line will be almost completely unrecognizable from the one that took the field at the start of the season. Heck, it won’t even resemble the one that took the field for their last game.

Injuries along with poor play from the initial starters has completely transformed the Raiders offensive line. This week they will field their whopping sixth different starting offensive line combination this season.

From left to right, the starting five will be LT Kolton Miller, LG Dylan Parham, C Jackson Powers-Johnson, RG Jordan Meredith, and RT DJ Glaze.

The only position on the line with the same starter from the season opener is left tackle Kolton Miller.

Cody Whitehair started the season at left guard — he’s OUT for this game. Andre James started the season at center — he’s OUT for this game.
Dylan Parham started the season at right guard — he got injured and then supplanted as the starter by Jordan Meredith.
Thayer Munford started the season at right tackle — he got injured and then supplanted as the starter by rookie DJ Glaze.

Here is what the starting lineup has looked like for each game this season:

Week LT LG C RG RT
1 Miller Whitehair James Parham Munford
2 Miller Peat James Parham Munford
3 Miller Whitehair James Parham Munford
4 Miller P-Johnson James Parham Glaze
5 Miller P-Johnson James Parham Glaze
6 Miller P-Johnson James Parham Glaze
7 Miller P-Johnson James Meredith Glaze
8 Miller P-Johnson James Meredith Glaze
9 Miller Whitehair P-Johnson Meredith Glaze
11 Miller Parham P-Johnson Meredith Glaze

“At the end of the day, it’s kind of been like our whole season. Next man up, right? Next man up,” head coach Antonio Pierce said of the shuffling line.

“You just hate that we keep changing all these pieces along the offensive line, because at some point, you’d like just to have five guys there, continuity, chemistry. That’s really the glue to our team, when you can have that. So something we’re working on consistently.”

On one hand, it’s hard to gain any consistency of play without continuity. On the other hand, finding the best five is important and at least two of these guys was replaced by someone who outplayed them.

It’s very possible this lineup is the best five the Raiders have. Parham moves back to left guard where he had played the past two seasons and Andre James didn’t do much to keep Rimington Award Winner Powers-Johnson from getting his shot to take the job. And thus far, JPJ has looked the part.

As for depth, the Raiders may need to dig into their practice squad for that.

Jordan Meredith earns Raiders starting right guard job over Dylan Parham

A strong performance by Jordan Meredith prior to the bye week earns him the right to keep the starting RG job over Dylan Parham.

Injuries have caused the right side of the Raiders offensive line to switch hands this season. And in both instances, the team decided it best to stick with the guy who stepped up rather than their initial top choice.

First it was Thayer Munford who was replaced at right tackle by rookie DJ Glaze. And Munford never got the job back. He is now the backup right tackle and third string left tackle.

Now it’s Jordan Meredith who stepped in for the injured Dyland Parham at right guard a few weeks ago. And even with Parham back healthy now, Meredith has been given the nod to keep that job over the former third round pick Parham.

“I think Jordan Meredith, we haven’t talked enough about him, but Jordan’s
done a hell of a job filling in,” head coach Antonio Pierce said Friday. “And the way he’s been playing, he’s earned the right to be a starter going forward.”

Meredith earned the vote of confidence in part by having a fantastic game in Cincinnati before the bye. A rare sight this season to see dominance from a Raiders offensive lineman.

Parham was active for the Bengals game and came in at left guard for the injured Cody Whitehair. If Whitehair is unable to go this week, Parham would start at left guard, giving him the chance to do the same thing Meredith did and earn a starting job there. Keep in mind, Parham was the team’s starting left guard the past two seasons, so he’s pretty familiar with the position.

Will Dylan Parham, Robert Spillane play today for Raiders vs Bengals?

Raiders inactives for their Week nine game against the Bengals

The inactives are out ahead of the Raiders Week nine game against the Bengals and two key names are not among them.

Both RG Dylan Parham and LB Robert Spillane are active for today’s game, which means both are expected to start.

Parham has missed the past two weeks with a foot injury. He was replaced at right guard by Jordan Meredith. Parham should step back into his starting role today.

Spillane had injured his knee last Sunday and missed the entire week of practices. Head coach Antonio Pierce said he would be a game time decision. He’s apparently been cleared and should start at his usual middle linebacker spot where he’s missed just one play all season.

Among the inactives is starting center Andre James who was ruled OUT on the team’s final injury report. He will be replaced at center by rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson.

Raiders vs Bengals final injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 9

All the latest updates and news on TEAMA’s injury report ahead of a Week X game vs. TEAMB.

The final injury report for the Raiders and Bengals for their Week 9 matchup is out. With it, the Raiders have one player OUT and three others whose status is Questionable.

Raiders, Bengals injury report

Andre James injury update

James has been ruled OUT with an ankle injury. He will be replaced at center by Jackson Powers-Johnson.

Dylan Parham injury update

Parham is Questionable to miss his third straight game with a foot injury. Jordan Meredith has replaced him at right guard in each of the past two games.

Robert Spillane injury update

Spillane is Questionable with a knee injury with Antonio Pierce saying he will be a game time decision. If he can’t go, Tommy Eichenberg would most likely start at middle linebacker.

Zamir White injury update

White returned to practice Friday after missing Thursday’s practice. He is officially Questionable. Alexander Mattison is expected to get the bulk of the carries regardless, but the team has said they would like to get White going if he’s healthy.

Raiders vs Bengals injury report: Latest updates, news for Week 9

All the latest updates and news on Raiders injury report ahead of a Week 9 game vs. Bengals

Thursday can be a good litmus test for the week’s injury situations. If only to see which players may have gotten rest days or were being eased into things.

Raiders, Bengals injury report

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Andre James injury update

James missed practice again Thursday as he is dealing with an ankle injury. If he can’t go, he will be replaced by rookie Jackson Powers-Johnson

Dylan Parham injury update

Parham was still limited, but the fact that he’s practicing at all opens up the possibility he could return after missing the past two weeks. He was replaced by Jordan Meredith and that would continue if he is not healthy enough to return this week.

Robert Spillane injury update

Spillane missed another practice as he deals with the knee injury he sustained early in the team’s loss over the Chiefs last Sunday. He played the remainder of the game and head coach Antonio Pierce insisted he won’t miss any time.

Zamir White injury update

White was downgraded to missing practice Thursday, putting his status in doubt for the game.

Raiders OL ‘in flux’ Week 9 vs Bengals ‘everything is on the table’

With uncertainties due to injury, there are as many as four different alignments the Raiders could deploy on the offensive line Week 9.

We could be looking at another new starting lineup for the Raiders offensive line Sunday when they head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals.

Injuries at various positions have had the Raiders moving guys around all season, and this week carries with it probably the most uncertainty they’ve seen yet.

Primarily the question marks are at center and right guard. Andre James was injured last Sunday and missed practice Wednesday. Meanwhile Dylan Parham returned to practice after missing the past two weeks.

The team shuffled the personnel on the interior line to cover for Parham and James’s absences. First with Jordan Meredith stepping in at right guard for Parham and then Jackson Powers-Johnson moving over from left guard to center to cover for James. This meant Cody Whitehair had to come in at left guard.

At this moment, it’s still up in the air as to who will start at each spot this week.

“It’s just in such a flux right now,” Raiders OC Luke Getsy said of the interior offensive line. “Everything’s on the table, honestly. That’s the cool part, when you have guys that are smart in Dylan and Cody and Jordan and Jackson, you’re able to figure out at the end of the week what’s the best fit and what makes the most sense to get going. But, honestly everything’s on the table right now.”

That means, you have five different players who could start at the three interior spots and four different possible alignments. Fun, fun, fun.