Quarterback Terrelle Pryor may have to keep his legs loose and his head on a swivel because the Raiders’ offensive line issues won’t be improving anytime soon.
After undergoing surgery to repair a torn lateral meniscus, rookie Menelik Watson will miss at least a month.
Raiders LT Menelik Watson underwent arthroscopic surgery on torn lateral meniscus last week, expected to be sidelined one month.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 12, 2013
This is a huge blow for the Raiders since original starting left tackle Jared Veldheer is out for at least half the season and now Watson will be out for close to the same time frame leaving Khalif Barnes to hold down Pryor’s blindside until one of them returns. The Raiders also recently signed Jack Cornell off the practice squad.
While Pryor was sacked only once, and hit three other times in the season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, that is due to the running ability of Pryor as he used his speed and elusiveness to get out of numerous situations where a much less mobile quarterback would have taken the sack.
This also hurts the viability of running back Darren McFadden who was expected to thrive under the new running system, but no longer has the offensive linemen to create the holes he needs to succeed.
The Raiders have some young, talented skill players between Pryor, McFadden, and receivers Denarius Moore and Rod Streater. But until they get their offensive line situation under control it will be next to impossible for the Raiders offense to even approach their potential.
