Oakland Raiders: Biggest Winners And Losers From Training Camp

Loser: Denver Kirkland

Denver Kirkland lands on this side of the ledger not because of anything he did on the field, but because he’s not going to see the field. Not for a good, long while anyway.

Having suffered a lower leg injury against the Cardinals, Kirkland is going to be out for an indefinite period of time. It’s very possible – if not likely – that he starts the season on the injured reserve list and be a candidate to be activated later on in the season.

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It’s a very unfortunate setback for one of Reggie McKenzie’s undrafted free agent gems. Especially after he played some very valuable snaps last season and acquitted himself very well.

Going into this season, Kirkland was being counted on to provide some valuable depth along the line. And Kirkland – although he played a lot of tackle last year – was thought to be the primary backup to Kelechi Osemele and Gabe Jackson on the interior of the line.

It’s a bit of a blow to a unit that could use a little more depth. Although the offensive line was solid, rugged, and durable last season, having another big body – just in case – is never a bad thing. In fact, it’s necessary.

Heading into the year, the Raiders are extremely thin behind Osemele and Jackson. Jon Feliciano, currently the second-string center, has played guard. They still have Vadal Alexander, who also played tackle last season, can also play guard. And Ian Silberman, who’s made a splash during camp, is also versatile enough to play interior line.

But not having Kirkland available is definitely going to hurt.