This week in practice the Raiders were working Alex Leatherwood at right guard, moving the rookie top pick from right tackle where he started the first four games of this season. With Leatherwood practicing inside, Brandon Parker stepped in to start at right tackle.
At the time offensive coordinator just said they were experimenting, trying to find the best five on the offensive line. That continues in the game as Leatherwood and Parker are starting at right guard and right tackle respectively.
The team opened the season with the right side featuring Denzelle Good at right guard with Leatherwood at right tackle. Then Good went out injured and veteran newcomer Jermaine Eluemunor stepped up at right guard to start the past three games.
Olson said the Raiders were trying to find the best five along the line, and the coaches had said in the offseason that they felt like they had three starters at tackle in Kolton Miller, Leatherwood, and Parker.
Leatherwood leads the lead in sacks allowed (4) and penalties (6) through four games. He hasn’t played like a starter at tackle, so the Raiders are seeing if he can play like one at guard and see if Parker can handle tackle duties. He’ll do so against Khalil Mack and the Bears today.
