As the preseason heads into its third week, first-string players are expected to see more time on the field to prepare for the 2017 NFL season. The Oakland Raiders look as impressive as ever on the offensive end despite their winless preseason and should improve as the regular season nears.
With every high-profile team comes drama and the Raiders have had their fair share during the offseason. While Oakland was able to complete long-term deals with Derek Carr and Gabe Jackson, Donald Penn has yet to agree to an extension with the team. Penn has been holding out in hopes of landing a lucrative deal, but according to Michael Gehlken of Las Vegas Review-Journal he has rejoined the Raiders:
Donald Penn has rejoined the Raiders. At facility now. Holdout over.
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 23, 2017
This is great news for the silver and black as Penn is one of the best offensive linemen in the league. After seven seasons with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Penn signed with the Raiders and played a key role up front, earning himself a Pro Bowl nod during the 2016 NFL season. The 34-year-old has also proven to be a veteran presence, consistently propping up Carr and Khalil Mack as franchise cornerstones.
With Penn back in the fold, it may just be a matter of time until general manager Reggie McKenzine signs him to the extension he was originally holding out for. Things continue to look up for the Raiders and fans should expect them to finally live up to the hype.
