ALAMEDA, Calif. -- It appears the Oakland Raiders will have two rookies starting on offense when they open the season at the New York Jets on Sunday.
Oakland coach Dennis Allen said that Khalif Barnes remains at right tackle and third-round pick Gabe Jackson will replace him at left guard Sunday as Menelik Watson continues to work his way through a hip issue. This is the same lineup the Raiders had in their last preseason game.
Jackson, out of Mississippi State, has been commended for his power in the preseason by the coaching staff. The Raiders, who kept their entire eight-man draft class, are poised to have Derek Carr, Jackson and the No. 5 overall pick, linebacker Khalil Mack, in the starting lineup in Week 1.
“I think that’s a testament to our scouting department and what (general manager) Reggie [McKenzie] has been able to do in the offseason,” Oakland coach Dennis Allen said. “Throw ‘Jelly’ [defensive tackle Justin Ellis] in that mix too -- [he] is a guy that we feel like is going to have an opportunity to really contribute, and guys like TJ Carrie. So there are a lot of young guys.”
In other Raiders notes:
As expected, tight end David Ausberry is back to practice after being out for several weeks. He is the team’s No. 2 tight end. Tight end might be the Raiders’ thinnest spot, so Auberry has a big role.
Linebacker Sio Moore seemed more active in practice Monday than he was last Tuesday. He suffered a neck strain at Green Bay on Aug. 22.
Linebacker Nick Roach suffered a concussion in the Packers’ game and is still not practicing. He has to be cleared before playing Sunday.
Cornerbacks Chimdi Chewka and Taiwan Jones are still not practicing. They have been dealing with lingering issues.
Former Oakland defensive back Chance Casey signed to the 49ers’ practice squad.
Kaelin Burnett cleared waivers and was placed on the injured reserve.
Defensive end LaMarr Woodley has switched his number from 57 to 58.
