In major news for the Oakland Raiders today, reports have surfaced that starting Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn has been ruled out with an injury.
#Raiders Donald Penn has been ruled OUT vs #Texans
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) January 6, 2017
Penn, who signed with the Raiders as a free agent from Tampa Bay in 2013, would have been making his first career playoff appearance vs. the Houston Texans.
With Oakland starting quarterback Derek Carr already ruled out due to a fractured fibula and his backup out with a shoulder injury Oakland will now be starting a new left tackle to protect the blindside of rookie quarterback Connor Cook.
With Penn out, expect right tackle Menelik Watson to slide over to the left side, with former starting right tackle Austin Howard stepping back into the starting lineup at right tackle.
Facing an aggressive defense loaded with stud pass rushers like Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus, if Oakland can’t establish the ground game their hopes look slim for Saturday’s game.