The Oakland Raiders announced ahead of Thursday night’s game against the Los Angeles Chargers that they have elevated linebacker Quentin Poling to the 53-man roster from the practice squad and placed defensive end Arden Key on injured reserve.
Key was a former third-round pick of the Raiders although he has not been able to reach his full potential in his time with the team. He has appeared in seven games this season, recording a pair of sacks.
He suffered a broken foot in the Raiders’ Week 9 victory over the Detroit Lions though, marking an end to his season. He did put out a social media post that he underwent successful surgery, so he should be able to make a full recovery for 2020.
Poling was a seventh-round draft pick by the New York Giants in 2018 out of Ohio. He spent most of his rookie season on their practice squad although he did appear in three games, so has some experience. The Raiders signed him to their practice squad in September, giving him some familiarity with the organization.
It is no secret that the Raiders have lacked depth at linebacker this season due to multiple injuries and Vontaze Burfict‘s suspension. Poling should provide the depth they are looking for, even if he doesn’t make a big impact.
