Las Vegas Raiders

Oakland Raiders Finally Add 53rd Player to Roster

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

The Oakland Raiders promoted guard Denver Kirkland from the practice squad to the active roster, giving them 53 players for the first time this season.

The Raiders finally did it. After playing the first three games with just 52 players on the active roster, Oakland added Denver Kirkland to 53-man roster.

After going weeks down one man, presumably holding the final roster spot for Marcel Reece (so much for that), it’s good to see the team making a move.

With the right side of the offensive line still ailing — Menelik Watson and Austin Howard both missed practice on Wednesday — it makes sense to add some offensive line depth.

While Matt McCants returned to practice, Vic Tafur noted that Vadal Alexander would be the likely starter, assuming Watson and Howard are both out.

Alexander also plays guard, and if he is at right tackle, hence the need to add another guard to the roster. Which now leaves Jon Feliciano and Kirkland as the backup guards.