Raider Nation has been riding a high since the dominant 30-6 victory this past weekend vs. the Giants. Unfortunately, as the Silver and Black prepare for a showdown with the “other” New York team on Sunday Night Football, a key player’s availability is in doubt. Star left tackle Kolton Miller is dealing with a shoulder injury that has knocked him out of practice all week.
The Raiders Face An Uphill Battle Without Kolton Miller
If the Raiders are to continue their resurgence under interim head coach Antonio Pierce, they must overcome this setback against an impressive Jets front seven. Miller is officially listed as doubtful, but the odds are against the former first-round pick suiting up in front of a national television audience Sunday evening.
If the 28-year-old does miss the contest, it would be a major blow for the already shaky offensive line. In a season of up-and-down play from the trenches, Miller has been a bright spot for the unit. His sparkling 83.0 grade via Pro Football Focus ranks third amongst all offensive tackles — he’s that good.
You can count on one hand how many times Miller has been forced out of the lineup in his professional career. And you’d still have some fingers left over. The UCLA product is a model of consistency and a true leader who shows up every week for his guys. Miller and Maxx Crosby mirror each other in that way; it’s fitting for the two cornerstones of the Raider franchise.
Can Jermaine Eluemunor Hold The Fort Down At Left Tackle?
The only certainty in the NFL is uncertainty, especially on the injury front. You know the saying — “next man up” — and that rings true for the Raiders against the Jets. Jermaine Eluemunor will likely slide over to the left side and protect rookie Aidan O’Connell’s blindside. That leaves Thayer Munford as the expected starter at right tackle.
Munford has only been charged with one sack on the year (100 pass-blocking reps). It’s a limited sample size, undoubtably, but promising nonetheless. As far as Eluemunor goes, he’s struggling heavily at the midway point of the 2023 campaign. With five sacks on his stat sheet this season, the veteran lineman has set a dubious career-high in that category.
The good news? Both guys have cut down their penalty rate significantly compared to last year. If the Raiders hope to stifle the assertive pass-rushing group of the Jets, it will require discipline and consistent effort on an every-down basis. Can Munford and Eluemunor answer the bell? We’ll find out in about 48 hours.
Victory Is All That Matters For Raider Nation
The Silver and Black need a victory to climb back to .500, with or without Kolton Miller. The roster has plenty to play for the rest of the way, and it goes without saying that the Antonio Pierce-Champ Kelly regime wants a Rich Bisaccia-style run to commence. That would put Raiders owner Mark Davis in a precarious position.
The “will he or won’t he” stuff is a narrative that isn’t going away until the offseason arrives and a final decision is made. Until then, all Pierce and Co. can control is the next game on the schedule. If this past Sunday is any indication, the Raiders will bring the juice to the party. Intensity shouldn’t be an issue anymore in Las Vegas.
*Top Photo: AP Photo/Rick Scuteri