Raiders News: Safety Keith McGill Suffers Jones Fracture, Will Require Foot Surgery

The Oakland Raiders understood what their areas of concerns were entering the offseason, with strengths on both sides of the ball. While the offense successfully acquired their one area of need in Marshawn Lynch, the defense needed to assure their secondary through the draft and a few other young draft picks.

Gareon Conley has yet to participate in training camp, although the Raiders are expecting his return to the field soon. While Obi Melifonwu will spend time both as a cornerback and safety, defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. still has some important decisions to make.

Entering his fourth season, safety Keith McGill was set to contend for a meaningful role going into the secondary. After being drafted in the fourth round of the 2014 Draft, he entered the 2017 campaign off of a 16-game season. However, he suffered an unfortunate blow during practice on Saturday, which will require surgery, via Michael Gehlken of the Las Vegas Review-Journal:

McGill was a key component of the special teams last season as well, appearing in at least 12 games since his rookie season. Going into the 2016 season, the Raiders had an understandable void at the safety position. Although they would sign Reggie Nelson, the Raiders actually converted McGill to the safety position.

The 28-year-old has also had to compete against 2016 first-round selection Karl Joseph, competing against one another to secure the next start. McGill totaled 16 tackles during the 2016 season (11 solo), with one pass defended and two starts in 16 games played.

Since McGill now requires surgery on his foot, it puts the Raiders in a tricky position on the depth chart, with him listed just after the presumed starter in Joseph.