Raiders second-year blocker to miss time

Both of the Las Vegas Raiders’ guards suffered injuries during Thursday night’s game. In the case of Jackson Powers-Johnson, at least, further missed time is in store.

The second-year blocker suffered an ankle injury during the second quarter of Vegas’ loss to Denver. Powers-Johnson was helped off the field and initially taken to the medical tent. Shortly thereafter, he was carted to the locker room and did not return.

“He hurt his ankle, legit,” head coach Pete Carroll said (via Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith). “I don’t want to go into any of the details but he hurt his ankle. He’ll be out for a while.”

Further testing will no doubt take place shortly, but based on those remarks, Powers-Johnson should not be expected to return in the near future. The 2024 second-round pick saw time at all three interior O-line spots as a rookie after being drafted into the NFL as a center. Powers-Johnson has exclusively worked as a right guard this season, though. His PFF evaluations have significantly fluctuated from one week to the next while attempting to establish himself as a full-time option at that spot.

That process will now be paused as the Oregon product recovers. Powers-Johnson, 22, is attached to his rookie contract through 2027. That will leave plenty of time for him to continue competing for a first-team spot at center or guard upon returning to health. In the meantime, though, Vegas will be shorthanded up front.

Left guard Dylan Parham exited last Thursday’s game. He also suffered an ankle injury and was unable to return to the contest. Alex Cappa filled in for Powers-Johnson after his departure, and he may be needed in the starting lineup for the foreseeable future. A new plan will also be required at the other guard spot until Parham can suit up again.