Caleb Rogers could replace Jackson Powers-Johnson against the Chiefs after the Raiders' starting right guard missed his second straight practice with a groin injury.
The Las Vegas Raiders may soon have to turn to the player who spent the summer trying to win Jackson Powers-Johnson's job.
Caleb Rogers is in line to start at right guard against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday if Powers-Johnson can't play because of his groin injury.
That possibility became more likely Thursday when Powers-Johnson missed his second consecutive practice, according to the Las Vegas Review-Journal.
Powers-Johnson suffered the injury late in Sunday's 35-27 victory over the New Orleans Saints and could not finish the game.
Rogers replaced him for the final five offensive plays.
The Raiders initially hoped Powers-Johnson might return to practice this week, but he was unable to participate Wednesday.
Another absence Thursday leaves Powers-Johnson with only one more practice opportunity before Sunday's game.
If Powers-Johnson can't play, the Raiders won't be turning to an unfamiliar option.
Rogers and Powers-Johnson competed for the starting right guard job throughout training camp and the preseason. Coach Klint Kubiak said during the competition that he viewed both players as starters.
"I still see two starters," Kubiak said in September, according to the Review-Journal. "I see two guys that are going to play for us this year."
Powers-Johnson ultimately won the job, with Rogers remaining directly behind him on the depth chart.
The Raiders had also gotten an extended look at Rogers during Powers-Johnson's previous absence. Rogers stepped into the first-team lineup when Powers-Johnson suffered an injury during training camp.
Rogers isn't inexperienced, either.
The 2025 third-round pick appeared in six games as a rookie and started all six at right guard.
Now Rogers could be asked to step in for one of the Raiders' starting offensive linemen in their biggest game of the young season.
Las Vegas and Kansas City are both 3-0 entering Sunday, marking the first time in the longtime rivalry that the teams will meet with both starting 3-0.
Friday's final injury report should clarify Powers-Johnson's availability.
But after two consecutive missed practices, the competition between Powers-Johnson and Rogers this summer may prove particularly valuable for the Raiders much sooner than expected.
