Raiders latest offensive line shakeup points to first start for promising rookie

The Raiders have given Jackson Powers-Johnson and Caleb Rogers ample opportunities to take command at right guard.Neither has done enough to keep the Raiders from looking for someone else.Now, rookie Trey Zuhn III appears to be getting his chance.Zuhn was spotted alongside the other starters during a practice drill Wednesday, a potential indication that the Raiders are leaning toward giving him his first NFL start Sunday against the Jets.While no starting assignment has been publicly confirmed, his placement offered a telling clue about the direction of their latest offensive line shakeup.And after Rogers endured a particularly rough afternoon against the Rams, there is plenty of reason to consider another option.“We’re going to give other guys opportunities,” coach Klint Kubiak said of the offensive line in general.

“We’re going to keep shaking it up until we find the right mix.”The Raiders are still searching.Powers-Johnson and Rogers have not taken command at right guard, leaving the Raiders with an unsettled situation where they desperately need dependable play.Rogers’ struggles against the Rams only reinforced the concern.The problems extend beyond one position, but the inability to get consistent production at right guard has contributed to a feeble running game that continues to undermine the offense.Too often, the Raiders have been pushed around inside rather than creating the room their backs need.That has helped result in the Raiders fielding the NFL’s third-worst rushing attack.During a four-game losing streak, that weakness has become increasingly difficult to overlook.Turning to Zuhn would represent another attempt to address it.“I feel confident,” Zuhn said of his ability to step in at guard after also practicing at tackle and center this year.

“If that’s what the team needs, it’s what I’m ready to do.“I’ve just been taking every rep I can at practice doing whatever the team needs me.I’m happy to take them because I...