There’s a good chance that Pro Bowl tackle Donald Penn has played his final game with the Oakland Raiders. On Wednesday, the team placed him on injured reserve with a groin injury he suffered last week against the Cleveland Browns.
🎥🔴 Live: Coach Gruden and Derek Carr address the media from Alameda. #RaiderNation https://t.co/KHWz0uZFGU
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 3, 2018
Having seen himself in a contract stalemate with Oakland over the past two offseasons, Penn was unceremoniously stripped of his starting left tackle duties this season in favor of rookie Kolton Miller. It was seemingly Jon Gruden’s way of continuing to make his imprint on the team’s roster.
Penn, 35, has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of his past two seasons. As an anchor for an offensive line that’s allowed 34 sacks of Derek Carr over the past 34 games, Penn’s absence will be felt.
In his stead last week, rookie third-round pick Brandon Parker acted the part of a turnstile against the likes of Myles Garrett and Co. With Carr currently leading the NFL in interceptions, this has to be a major concern for the Raiders moving forward.
It also likely means that Penn has played his final game as a member of the silver and black.