Raiders lineman Austin Howard is being paid like a starter.
Now he’ll actually be one.
Howard, due to make $6.4 million this season, will now move into the starting spot at right tackle left vacant by the season-ending injury to Menelik Watson, incurred during the preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday night.
This was going to be Watson’s breakout year. After a couple of injury-marred seasons, Watson had turned in a solid offseason and training camp to earn the starting job. New offensive line coach Mike Tice was high on Watson, and predicted he would finally live up to his potential as a second-round draft choice. He loved his size, smarts and athletic ability.
Instead, Watson suffered a ruptured Achilles’ tendon. Howard, the veteran and former New York Jet – who started for the Raiders in 2014 at right guard – will take over for Watson.
Howard struggled early in training camp, but has played more efficiently lately. New Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio told reporters after Sunday night’s game that he’s confident Howard can give the Raiders what they need at the position this season.
“He’s a pro,” Del Rio said. “One of those guys who’s gotten better throughout camp, so he’ll be called on obviously for a much bigger role than it might have been had Menelik stayed healthy. That’s part of why you have depth and competition, and we’re counting on him playing well for us.”
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Howard, who played both guard and tackle with the Jets, signed a free-agent deal with Oakland before the 2014 season for five years and $30 million.
Howard told Jimmy Durkin of the Bay Area News Group that he’ll do his best in taking over right tackle, but is mostly concerned at this point for Watson.
“You never want to see a fellow teammate go down like that,” said Howard. “Thoughts and prayers are with him and his family with everything he’s going through. We just hope and pray for a quick recovery for him.”
Going into training camp, Tice had said it would be an “open competition” at right tackle between Howard and Watson. Howard initially had the edge early in offseason workouts, but was overtaken by Watson in training camp.
Veteran Khalif Barnes, who can play both guard and tackle positions, now figures to be the No. 1 backup at right tackle behind Howard.
