Breaking: Raiders Key Player Resumes Training After Long Term Injury.
When the Raiders announced today that starting left tackle Kolton Miller will be activated from the active/PUP list, the quarterbacks group breathed a collective sigh of relief. After passing his physical today, the team was able to take the six-year starter off of his physically unable to perform classification and get him back into practice.
Although Miller was sidelined for two games in 2020 and one in 2022, it wasn’t until last year that his injury struggles were apparent. Miller played in two games off the bench as a backup late in the season, but he only made 11 starts in 2023. The seasoned blindside blocker persevered despite a shoulder issue that ultimately necessitated surgery during the offseason.
Due to Miller’s apparent improvement in his rehabilitation, Las Vegas decided to “manage” him for the duration of the season in order to maintain his health. The Raiders maintained hope that Miller would be ready to start in Week 1 despite their best lineman’s delicate handling. There were reports over a week ago that Miller will return to the practice field soon, and it turned out to be this afternoon.
Miller’s comeback is essential for an offensive line lacking in experience. Two probable seasoned starters for the team are veterans Andre James and Cody Whitehair. The organization thought that Thayer Munford, a seventh-round pick in 2022, would return and start at right tackle, but a hand injury forced him to compete for position against DJ Glaze, a third-round rookie from Maryland. Dylan Parham, a third-year starter, ought to take up the other starting position.
Veteran Andrus Peat, who has been standing in for Miller during his absence, is also a member of the team. Prior to his return last week, Jackson Powers-Johnson, an Oregon rookie selected in the second round, looked to be a serious contender for one of the interior line positions, but Las Vegas was concerned about how long he would be out on the active/PUP list. His chances of nabbing a starting gig, though, have likely been damaged by the extended absence.
