ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) — The season hasn’t even begun yet for the Oakland Raiders and they’re already scrambling to field a healthy pair of offensive tackles.
Khalif Barnes, the team’s starter on the right side for the past three years, has been moved to the left after injuries sidelined Jared Veldheer and Menelik Watson. Tony Pashos will replace Barnes in the lineup, less than a week after being signed as insurance.
Matt McCants, a sixth-round draft pick of the New York Giants in 2012, is almost certain to be activated before Sunday’s opener in Indianapolis just to add some depth to Oakland’s makeshift line.
With Veldheer likely to miss half the season with a torn left triceps and Watson facing possible knee surgery, the situation isn’t likely to get better anytime soon.
