Raiders Rookie Could Become Third Starting Right Guard After Latest Practice Development

The Las Vegas Raiders could be preparing another change to their struggling offensive line.

This time, a rookie might get his first opportunity to start.

Third-round pick Trey Zuhn III worked with the first-team offensive line Wednesday, raising the possibility that he could start at right guard against the New York Jets on Sunday.

According to Adam Hill of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Zuhn participated in a drill with the starters as coach Klint Kubiak searched for a more effective combination.

Kubiak declined to confirm whether Zuhn would start.

"We're going to give other guys opportunities," Kubiak said. "We're going to keep shaking it up until we find the right mix."

Jackson Powers-Johnson opened the season at right guard before losing his job to Caleb Rogers ahead of the Week 6 loss to Buffalo.

Rogers remained in the lineup against the Los Angeles Rams, but the change has done little to solve the team's offensive problems.

Las Vegas is averaging just 74.7 rushing yards per game, ranking 31st in the NFL through seven games.

The struggles have raised questions about Powers-Johnson's future, while Rogers has yet to establish himself as a long-term answer.

That could open the door for Zuhn, whom the Raiders selected 91st overall out of Texas A&M in April.

The 24-year-old has appeared in six games, primarily serving as an extra offensive lineman in heavy formations.

Zuhn has practiced at tackle, guard and center since joining Las Vegas, giving Kubiak another option along the offensive front.

"Super confident,” Zuhn said about the possibility of playing right guard.

The rookie said the team's confidence in him has reinforced his belief that he can handle the assignment and contribute on Sundays.

Kubiak has praised the rookie's intelligence and versatility, describing him as a "Swiss Army knife."

Veteran center Tyler Linderbaum also praised Zuhn's preparation, noting the difficulty of learning assignments and techniques across the offensive line.

The Raiders have another option in Bryce Cabeldue, whom they claimed off waivers from the Seattle Seahawks in September.

Wednesday's first-team practice work suggests Zuhn could be a candidate if Kubiak makes another change.

The Raiders have been evaluating their guard competition throughout the season, and Zuhn could soon get his chance to help stabilize the offensive line.