Has Trey Zuhn Fixed the Raiders’ Offensive Line Problems?

The Raiders tried out a new right guard in Week 8. After a win over the Jets, Trey Zuhn may get an extended look in the starting lineup. 

Jackson Powers-Johnson won the starting right guard out of training camp, beating out Caleb Rogers. But Powers-Johnson struggled and was eventually replaced by Rogers. Unfortunately for the Raiders, Rogers was even worse. 

After losing four straight games, head coach Klint Kubiak pivoted to his third choice at right guard. Zuhn, who was drafted in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, started and played every offensive snap against the Jets.

“I thought Trey was calm in there,” Kubiak said when asked to evaluate Zuhn’s first start. “I thought he was well prepared. That was not a surprise. I thought he played well. I think there are things that he is going to want to improve on. But I was pleased, along with the coaching staff, with the effort that he put on the field and what his future looks like for us.”

When asked about Zuhn continuing to get opportunities, Kubiak was a bit coy, saying: “I believe so. Yes.”

Zuhn’s Role 

The Raiders had an awful offensive line in 2025 and then drafted Zuhn in the third round. But he was never really given a shot to push any of the starters in the preseason. Instead, the Raiders had Zuhn get work at every position on the offensive line so they would have a versatile backup. 

Now he is getting a taste with the starters, and could solidify his role. 

Las Vegas desperately needs their draft picks to play well. This organization is rebuilding and needs productive young players. So far the 2025 and 2026 draft classes have produced minimal positive results. If Zuhn can prove to be a starting-worthy guard, the Raiders will have one less hole to fill in the offseason. 

Another Change Coming?

One hole the Raiders may have to fill in season is at left guard. Spencer Burford has been the uncontested starting left guard all season, but has struggled mightily. For some reason, the Raiders have not tried another player at left guard the way they have experimented at right guard. 

If Zuhn does take over the right guard spot, one of Powers-Johnson or Rogers could push Burford on the left side of the offensive line. But as the coaching staff has shown, they don’t trust either of those players. 

Ultimately general manager John Spytek didn’t do a good enough job in the offseason to patch up the offensive line, leaving Kubiak to figure it out in season.