Raiders HC Pete Carroll makes questionable reveal on key player

On Wednesday, Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll revealed his plans for the offensive line before their Week 4 matchup with the Chicago Bears.

Despite issues with the interior offensive line in the early season, Carroll told reporters that he would "absolutely not" entertain the idea of moving Jackson Powers-Johnson to center, a position he excelled at in college. 

Carroll wants Powers-Johnson to compete with Alex Cappa for the starting right guard spot. Jordan Meredith will remain at center.

"No, we invested a lot of time with these guys playing in their spots," Carroll said in response to a question about potentially moving Powers-Johnson back to center. "I know you're interested in JPJ ... So he's ready to compete for the playing time, and he and Alex will be going at it. 

"So it's a good situation. Jackson hasn't hit anybody in two weeks. We gotta see what he can do. So check him out and see how he does."

The offensive line has been a key reason for the 1-2 start for the Raiders and why the running game can't get rolling with rookie running back Ashton Jeanty. The No. 6 pick is averaging 3.1 yards per rush through the first three games, which is also the team's average yards per rush.

Carroll pointed out that the offensive line needs to do a better job of "spacing" so Jeanty has a chance to show off his skillset.

Carroll's decision to stick with Meredith at center seems needlessly stubborn. The 6-foot-3, 325-pound athlete won the Remington Trophy in his final year of college at Oregon. 

For now, Carroll is not willing to budge, believing that "time" spent on the position changes in the offseason is more important than the product being seen on the field in September.