Raiders add kicker Giorgio Tavecchio to practice squad as insurance in case Sebastian Janikowski unable to play vs Titans

Friday the Raiders made a move to protect themselves in case Sebastian Janikowski is unable to play in the season opener. Janikowski continues to have back problems that have limited him in practice

“Giorgio [Tavecchio] has been added to the practice squad,” said head coach Jack Del Rio. “He’ll travel with us to make sure that everything’s good [with Sebastian Janikowski] so we’re covered that way.”

Del Rio went on to say of Janikowski; “We’ll see as we get to game time. He’s questionable.”

In particular the Raiders have until Saturday at 4pm to decide one way or the other. Should they deem his back is not right, Tavecchio will be activated and someone on the team will have to be cut to make room for him.

Tavecchio has spent the past three offseasons with the Raiders as a left footed camp leg. He is an Italian born kicker who played his college ball at nearby Cal.

The Raiders had worked out three kickers last weekend, but they were all right footed kickers which would cause some difficulty with Marquette King having to switch sides as the holder. That makes Tavecchio the most logical option to fill in on short notice.