The Las Vegas Raiders haven't seen 2024 second-round pick and guard Jackson Powers-Johnson on the practice field in quite some time, but it appears he might return soon.
According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Powers-Johnson, who is currently on the active/physically unable to perform list as he works his way back from a shoulder injury suffered during organized team activities, is expected back early next week, and quite possibly sooner.
In Powers-Johnson's absence, veteran Cody Whitehair has been getting the reps at the left guard spot, but there has been nothing to suggest he's doing enough to run away with the job. That leaves the door open for the Oregon product to seize the role upon his return.
However, Powers-Johnson has missed significant time and will have to play catch up. Further, he'll likely be eased back into action after such a lengthy absence, so don't expect him to be a full-go when he's cleared to get back on the field.
Tom Telesco's first draft class in charge of the @Raiders is showing plenty of promise. Expect that to continue when Jackson Powers-Johnson is cleared (perhaps early next week, if not sooner). My story on a good-looking group: https://t.co/lxEVMSeeVR via @reviewjournal
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 1, 2024
Ideally, Powers-Johnson comes back and takes the reins at left guard and is the team's Week 1 starter over Whitehair, who would serve as a quality backup.
Powers-Johnson isn't the only notable offensive lineman the Raiders haven't had, as left tackle Kolton Miller continues to work his way back from offseason shoulder surgery. There is currently no timetable for his return, though.
After a day off on Thursday, the Raiders will return to practice on Friday. You can check out their full training camp schedule right here.
