The Raiders were not merely deciding on their starting offensive line by swapping Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers at right guard during training camp and preseason.
They were anticipating a situation that could arise in the regular season.
Klint Kubiak mentioned this pretty openly back in August.
“Both of those guys are going to play this year,” he said, which suggested more than just a competition for a starting spot. It indicated the Raiders were crafting a strategy that was more comprehensive than just naming a starter.
Powers-Johnson’s injury history highlighted the necessity of having a reliable backup. Meanwhile, Rogers’ growth warranted giving significant playtime to a young player who might eventually be relied upon more than just as an observer on the sidelines.
This rotation effectively served both aims.
As Powers-Johnson works on recovering from a groin injury sustained Sunday against the Saints, the rationale behind that strategy from the summer is becoming clearer.
“We just keep getting him healthy and hope to get him to some practice reps this week so he can play,” Kubiak remarked about Powers-Johnson.
Since Powers-Johnson couldn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday, it seems increasingly likely that Rogers will step in.
Thanks to the groundwork laid during the summer, Rogers is well-prepared for this transition.
Kubiak wasn’t outright forecasting an injury back in August, but, considering Powers-Johnson’s history, the Raiders recognized that they couldn’t rely on his availability throughout the season.
Amid all the buzz about who would secure the starting job, an equally important question lingered: Who would be ready if the starter was sidelined?
The Raiders clearly couldn’t leave that answer to chance.
Giving Rogers time with the starters allowed him to grow in the environment he’d need to thrive in if called to action. There’s value in learning the playbook, but executing plays alongside the teammates who would depend on him adds another layer of preparation.
Rogers approached those chances with a mindset that mirrored how he views the regular season.
“When it comes to treating every single day the same, treating every single game every single week as our Super Bowl, it’s the most important day we have because it’s the only day we have,” he expressed.
Continuity at guard is vital. Communication on protection calls, combination blocks, and the synchronization required to manage movement along the defensive line all hinge on players being on the same page and responding in unison.
Establishing these connections is best done before an injury necessitates a sudden change.
For Kubiak and offensive line coach Rick Dennison, this method balanced the immediate need with developmental potential. Powers-Johnson could prepare for his expected role, while Rogers gained experience that could ultimately bolster the entire unit.
“I think we keep that mentality by approaching every day as if it’s the same,” Rogers said. “Regardless of what our record is and who we are playing, we’re taking the same approach to every game that we have because that’s our job.”
When looked at purely as a competition, the alternating snaps raised questions about Powers-Johnson’s position. But when considered as preparation for a demanding season, the reasoning becomes clear.
Kubiak stated both would play.
He spent the summer ensuring that both would be ready.
