There was plenty of bad news on the Raiders injury report Friday, including four starters listed as either OUT or Doubtful. But there was one perhaps underrated piece of good news for the Raiders — right tackle Sam Young is back.
This may not seem like it would be great news. After all, Young isn’t even a regular starter himself. He’s the backup right tackle. But with the rash of injuries on the Raiders’ offensive line, his return is a big deal.
The team has started guard Denzelle Good at right tackle the past two weeks after Good had played meaningful minutes in the season opener after starting right tackle Trent Brown and Young both went down with injuries in the same game.
While Good was starting there, left guard Richie Incognito was lost to an Achilles injury and placed on injured reserve, moving rookie John Simpson into the starting lineup.
Simpson has struggled at left guard and after Good had been serviceable over the first couple of games, he had a rough outing last week in New England.
Good is a much better guard than a tackle. He has filled in well at both guard spots in his time with the Raiders. Trent Brown is doubtful with his calf injury, but with Young back, he can start at right tackle, moving Good back to guard where he belongs and thus offering significant upgrades to both spots.
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