Perhaps no single Raiders unit was happier to see this week come to an end more than the offensive line.
Already without Trent Brown for Sunday’s game with Tampa Bay, the Raiders lost right tackle Sam Young to injury in the second quarter and Gabe Jackson to an ejection in the third quarter in what became a 45-20 loss to the Buccaneers at Allegiant Stadium.
Jackson was ejected after an altercation with Buccaneers defensive end William Gholston. The play came right after Darren Waller caught a 1-yard touchdown pass from Derek Carr with 4:15 left in the third quarter, as the Raiders cut Tampa Bay’s lead to 24-17 after the extra point.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden said he didn’t see what happened to Jackson, who had played every offensive snap this season and was replaced by John Simpson on the Raiders’ next possession.
“You’ll have to get (the officials’) interpretation,” Gruden said. “I believe the objection came from (NFL headquarters). They had had access to plays that perhaps we didn’t.
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“But losing Sam Young early in the game and then losing Gabe with the week that we have had against a heck of a defense, it was tough on us, no doubt.”
Referee Scott Novak, on Gabe Jackson’s ejection, said to a pool reporter, “On the play after the touchdown, the down judge throws a flag for (Jackson) stepping on an opponent, right on his shoulder, while he was on the ground.”
Jackson, Kolton Miller, Rodney Hudson and Denzelle Good had all been on the COVID-19 reserve list after were in close contact last Monday with Brown, who was unable to play after he was placed on the COVID-19 list.
The four linemen had been in quarantine since Tuesday and had not practiced, but returned to play Sunday after testing negative for the coronavirus in recent days.
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“This whole year has been weird with the virus, but we did the best we could and followed protocol along the way,” Miller said. “But individually, we tried to do our best with what we (had).”
Young was replaced by Brandon Parker, who had played just eight offensive snaps before Sunday’s game.
“When we weren’t at practice, those twos got a lot more extra reps,” Miller said. “So in a way, they were a little bit more prepared to step in. But we’re just doing our best to stay healthy and try to overcome this virus.”
Carr was sacked three times Sunday, all by Buccaneers linebacker Devin White. He, like Miller, said there were communication issues along the offensive line.
“There were a few things there, but nothing where I’m jumping up and ripping them,” Carr said. “These guys, they weren’t with us until this morning. I’m never going to sit there and be like, ‘How do you guys not know that?’ With what they did, these guys should be applauded and patted on the back for what they were able to accomplish.
“Now, was it good enough? No, it’s not. But for what they were able to do, man. I love those guys I’m thankful for them.”
