Raiders starting offensive line is set... except center

Head coach Dennis Allen had said since he became head coach that every position was an open competition. And if that's the case, the first team offensive line must be holding it down. With the exception of Alex Parson, who started last week in place of the injured Stefen Wisniewski, every starter has remained the same. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said today that the starters on the line are set.

"Yeah, they've done a good job. I'm feeling comfortable with both guards and tackles. They're communicating well, they're seeing the game from the zone-blocking scheme and the play-pass stuff very well. So, yeah, they're doing real well together."

He has also liked the play of Alex Parsons in replacement of Wisniewski.

"Both those guys, we told them from Day One, it's been a good competition. Even when Wiz wasn't practicing in the spring, it was a competition to start because Wiz played guard before and hadn't played center. So, I'm comfortable because from Day One we've treated it as a competition. Both guys are into it mentally, it's just been unfortunate that Wiz hasn't had as many reps."

Those starters are left tackle Jared Veldheer, left guard Cooper Carlisle, right guard Mike Brisiel, and right tackle Khalif Barnes.