Just when the Raiders need him more than ever, their most reliable offensive lineman won't be able to play in Saturday's AFC wild-card game against the Texans, and it's killing him.
After starting 156 consecutive regular-season games, Pro Bowl left tackle Donald Penn has been ruled out due to a knee injury suffered in last weekend's regular-season finale.
Shortly after official word came down Friday, Penn tweeted that he was "in tears right now" after trying everything he could to recover in time.
I did everything I could 2 play tomorrow I mean everything in tears right now haven't missed a game my entire career lost 4 words😡😡😡😤😤😤
— Donald Penn (@DPENN70) January 6, 2017
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With Oakland already set to give third-string quarterback Connor Cook his first NFL start in the game, a reshuffled offensive line is even worse news. But that's what coach Jack Del Rio will have to work with in Houston. According to CSN Bay Area, right tackle Menelik Watson is expected to slide to the left side with Austin Howard getting the start on the right.
Penn, 33, initially signed with the Vikings in 2006 as an undrafted free agent out of Utah State but established himself in the NFL with the Buccaneers. He has played in every game since the 2007 season opener with Tampa Bay and started every game since Week 5 of that season.
And it's not just that he's on the field; Penn allowed only one sack in 2016. Unfortunately, it was the one by the Colts' Trent Cole on Christmas Eve that resulted in Derek Carr suffering a broken leg.
Now it will be up to Watson to guard the rookie Cook's blind side as Penn hopes to be able to return should the Raiders advance.
