Raiders sign linebacker Shilique Calhoun from practice squad

The injury to linebacker Marquel Lee has left the Raiders shorthanded at the position. In response, they have called up former third round pick Shilique Calhoun from the practice squad to the active roster.

In a corresponding move, the Raiders have placed CB Antonio Hamilton on the Injured Reserve. Hamilton suffered a knee injury covering the opening kickoff of last week’s loss to the Ravens.

After just one season with the Raiders since making Calhoun their selection at the 75th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Calhoun had been among the players who was waived with the final roster cut this year.

In ten appearances a rookie,last season he totaled just 5 combined tackles, 0.5 sacks and one pass defended. Late in the season he suffered a knee injury and was placed on Injured reserve.

This is a curious move considering Lee plays inside linebacker and Calhoun is an outside linebacker who has at times lined up as a defensive end. So his addition doesn’t necessarily solve the depth issue the Raiders have at the position.

Currently they have just second year man Cory James, former practice squad player Tyrell Adams, and undrafted rookies Nicholas Morrow and Xavier Woodson-Luster.