Oakland Raiders vs. Cincinnati Bengals: Week One Gamers and Goats

December 21, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders free safety Charles Woodson (24) celebrates after an interception against the Buffalo Bills during the first quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Charles Woodson: Gamer

Woodson was as ferocious and effective as he’s ever been over his highly distinguished 18 year career. He was everywhere on the field against the Bengals and was always around the ball. Whether it was in coverage or in run support, number 24 was always flying to the ball.

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Unfortunately for the future Hall of Famer, and for the Raiders, that nose for the ball and penchant for making plays cost him dearly. With just over a minute left in the game, and the outcome already sealed, Woodson stuck his nose in on a play, trying to make a stop on the ball. He collided with teammate Malcolm Smith and stayed down on the turf after the hit.

Woodson was eventually helped up and escorted off the field by a trainer who held on to his elbow and forearm to keep the shoulder as immobile as possible. But it was clear that Woodson was in a significant amount of pain.

Following the game, Woodson did not speak to the media but reports out of the Raiders locker room indicated that he was in clear discomfort and very slowly and gingerly dressed, trying as hard as he could to avoid moving his shoulder.

HC Jack Del Rio declined to comment on Woodson’s injury, but given the way he was moving, it didn’t look too good for the veteran safety. With Nate Allen already out, having suffered a knee injury, and now Woodson going down, an already paper thin safety group just got even thinner.

The team and the fans are all holding their breaths, waiting to see what the diagnosis is and how much trouble Oakland’s secondary is really in.

Next: Power Outage Part II