Menelik Watson expected back this week

Last week Dennis Allen was asked about the status of offensive tackle, Menelik Watson. He is asked pretty much every week about Watson and his answer is usually that he doesn't really know when the second round rookie will be back in action. But this time, he actually had a positive response.

"I'm hopeful that he's going to be able to practice next week." Said Allen.

Allen was asked again on Monday if he still expected Watson to return to practice and he reiterated that is still his hope.

Watson was pegged as the replacement at left tackle for Jared Veldheer who was place on partial season injured reserve with a triceps injury. Then in the week leading up to the season opener, Watson suffered a knee injury in practice and has been out through the first four games of this season.

With Watson out, the team moved right tackle Khalif Barnes to left tackle and started newly signed Tony Pashos at right tackle.

If Watson is to return, it is uncertain where he will fit in right away. He was drafted as a right tackle but was forced into the left tackle duties due to lack of better options. We'll know Wednesday if he is back as well as where they intend to use him initially.

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