BALTIMORE – The Raiders are razor thin along the offensive line.
They have three guys out with injury. Menelik Watson (calf) and Austin Howard (ankle) were ruled out of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens earlier this week. Matt McCants (knee) is also inactive despite practicing all week in his return from a knee injury.
All of those guys primarily play right tackle, and their absence leaves seventh-round rookie Vadal Alexander to carry the load there. He fared well in a Week 3 win over Tennessee, and will start at that spot.
Jon Feliciano and recent practice squad promotion Denver Kirkland are the team's only reserve offensive linemen, and both are natural interior linemen.
The Raiders received some good news among the Ravens inactives. Starting left tackle Ronnie Stanley, this year's No. 6 overall draft pick, was ruled out with a foot injury.
That could help Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin get to quarterback Joe Flacco, who can carve a defense if allowed to work from the pocket.
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Ravens edge rusher Elvis Dumervil will make his season debut in a return from a foot injury. Running back Justin Forsett is a healthy scratch, meaning the Ravens will go with Terrance West and Buck Allen running the football.
