Raiders promote G Lester Cotton Sr. from practice squad, place Marquel Lee back on IR

Well, that was quick. After only two games played since returning from injured reserve, the Raiders placed linebacker Marquel Lee back on the IR, promoting Lester Cotton Sr. from the practice squad in a corresponding move.

Lee played in the first three games of the season before heading to IR. He came back for Week 14 and 15, expected to add some life to the Raiders linebacker corps. He accrued eleven tackles and three starts across his five games played. He had been battling with a toe injury since being added off IR, and it apparently has ended his season.

With Lee heading to IR, the Raiders’ signing of Ukeme Eligwe makes a little bit more sense. Eligwe was signed after OT Trent Brown headed to IR, leaving the team short on offensive linemen.

Cotton will fill that offensive line role and has positional flexion to play both guard spots. As an undrafted rookie free agent out of Alabama, Cotton latched onto the Raiders practice squad this offseason.

He started 18 games at right guard and 10 games at left guard during his Alabama career, and at 6-foot-4, 335 pounds, he fits right into the Raiders’ oversized offensive front.

With Cotton moved up to the 53-man roster, the Raiders have a practice squad spot open. Expect them to canvas the outskirts of the league to find a player who can possibly help out next year.