Raiders left tackle Donald Penn had started 170 consecutive regular season games dating back to 2007. That streak will come to a end on Christmas night.
A foot injury suffered early in Sunday's 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys will end his season two games early, per an NFL Network report. He will have surgery Thursday to repair the issue.
That's a major loss up front. Penn has been Derek Carr's blindside protector since 2014, as reliable as anyone on this roster. Losing him down the stretch will hurt.
"Absolutely, (he's) our leader," reserve tackle Vadal Alexander said. "Him, Rodney (Hudson), are veterans of the group. Our leaders. Our OGs as we call them."
The Raiders adjusted well without Penn. Right tackle Marshall Newhouse moved to the left side -- he has experience there -- and Alexander took his play on the right.
"We all are experienced," Alexander said. "All seven O-linemen who suit up are experienced. I thought it went really smooth."
Penn missed last year's playoff loss to Houston with a knee injury that required surgery, but it did not impact his regular-season streak. It was a point of pride, and Penn's certainly sad to see it go.
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He remains under contract through 2019 after renegotiating his deal this fall. He has $3 million in guaranteed money in 2018, part of a package worth up to $8.35 million.
