While the Oakland Raiders have gotten off to a 2-1 start to the season and their offense has performed as well as expected under first-year head coach Jack Del Rio, injuries have been an issue through the first couple of weeks, particularly on the offensive line.
Among the offensive lineman that have been injured this season is backup tackle Matt McCants, who can play of either side.
The 27-year-old rolled up his knee in the team’s season opener against the New Orleans Saints and has been sidelined ever since. While his availability for Sunday’s game against the Baltimore Ravens is still in question, McCants returned to practice Wednesday on a limited basis.
The return comes at a much needed time, as starting right tackle Menelilk Watson and backup right tackle Austin Howard both missed Wednesday’s practice.
This is McCants’ fourth year with the Raiders, and he has appeared in 27 games with the team, starting in three.
Oakland recently promoted guard Denver Kirkland from the practice squad to get the roster up to its full complement of 53 players for the first time this season.
The Raiders travel to Baltimore for Sunday’s game which will start at 1 p.m. local time.
