Change could be coming on Raiders’ offensive line Sunday

Injuries could play a role in lineup change

The Las Vegas Raiders offensive line has been struggling and we could see two rookies take big roles on the unit Sunday at home against the Cleveland Browns.

Las Vegas coach Antonio Pierce said right tackle Thayer Munford wouldn’t practice Wednesday. He left Sunday’s home loss to the Carolina Panthers with an undisclosed leg injury.

Munford was replaced by third-round pick DJ Glaze. He played most of the game and Pierce said he held up well. So, if Munford can’t play, Glaze is in line to make his first start. He may not be the only rookie offensive lineman to do so.

Pierce said he second-round pick, Jackson Powers-Johnson showed enough in his NFL debut, which he played 21 snaps, to earn more playing time Sunday. Powers-Johnson played some for right guard Dylan Parham, who has bene dealing with an injury.

So, if he does play more, Powers-Johnson could either play for Parham or for left guard Cody Whitehair. It’s even possible Parham can go back to left guard and Powers-Johnson can play on the right side.

Thus, it will be interesting to see the offensive lineup Sunday against the Browns, whose defensive line featuring NFL Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett.

Like Garrett, Raiders’ star pass-rusher Maxx Crosby wasn’t on the practice field Wednesday when media was on the field. Both are dealing with injuries. Crosby told reporters Sunday that he is dealing with a high-ankle sprain. He was limited all week last week. Crosby, who has never missed a game, missed practice often last season and still played.

Meanwhile, starting linebacker Divine Deablo missed practice Wednesday. He didn’t play in Week 3 because of an oblique injury and a concussion. Luke Masterson started for Deablo.

Pierce also said fourth-round pick, cornerback Decamerion Richardson will probably be out again this week. He has missed the first three games with a hamstring injury.

The Raiders released their injury report after practice Wednesday. There were no surprises.

In other Raiders’ notes:

• Pierce said the team did make some “business decisions” based on the lack of effort by some players in a home loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. Yet, the coach said those decisions will stay “in house.” So, we will see Sunday if there is any lineup changes based on the “business decisions” made by players.

• On the quarterback situation, Pierce said “there is no issue. Gardner Minshew is the quarterback.” Pierce created some drama Monday when he didn’t publicly commit to Minshew starting over Aidan O’Connell against the Browns. But, for now, that storyline is dormant.