Injuries have been devastating NFL teams this preseason, and the Raiders got their share of the pain Sunday night when they lost starting right tackle Menelik Watson for the season. Watson ruptured an Achilles tendon in the first half.
“He was having a great camp for us and really playing well,” Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio said. “Good young man. He’ll bounce back, but big setback.”
Sixth-year veteran Austin Howard, who started at guard for the Raiders last season, replaced Watson. Howard struggled Sunday, especially with run-blocking.
“Austin has gotta step up,” left tackle Donald Penn said.