Shoring up the offensive line has been a focus for the Las Vegas Raiders, as their offense won’t be able to reach its potential if it can’t improve up front. One position that has garnered a lot of attention is the right guard spot, where Pete Carroll has been shuffling between Jackson Powers-Johnson and Alex Cappa.
Powers-Johnson began the season as the starter, but missed Week 2 due to a concussion, allowing Cappa to step in. But despite Powers-Johnson being cleared for Week 3, head coach Pete Carroll chose to stick with Cappa against the Washington Commanders.
Carroll would turn back to Powers-Johnson in Week 4 against the Chicago Bears, however. After a strong performance, the Raiders coach revealed that he will remain in the starting lineup for the Week 5 game against the Indianapolis Colts, via Jesse Merrick of the Silver & Black Sports Network:
#Raiders coach Pete Carroll
Said he was really happy with JPJ’s play in the game vs. Chicago and said he’ll start again this week
— Jesse Merrick – Silver & Black Sports Network (@JesseSBSN) October 1, 2025
The move makes sense as Powers-Johnson has clearly outplayed Cappa so far this season. In fact, in Week 4 Powers-Johnson was the Raiders’ second-highest graded offensive lineman by Pro Football Focus, trailing only left tackle Kolton Miller.
The Raiders’ offensive line had its best showing of the season against the Bears in Week 4, not allowing a single sack while also paving the way for a season-high 240 rushing yards. Unfortunately, Miller was placed on injured reserve with a broken ankle, so the Raiders will have to make do without their best lineman, making it even more imperative for Powers-Johnson to continue his high level of play.
When he was drafted in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft out of Oregon, Powers-Johnson was expected to step in and be an important piece of this Raiders offensive line. And whether it is at center or guard, he is showing that he needs to be in the lineup for Pete Carroll’s squad.
Geno Smith says Raiders must figure out a way to get Brock Bowers the ball
Something else that has been noticeable about the Raiders’ offense has been the struggles of tight end Brock Bowers since Week 1. Obviously, much of that has had to do with the knee injury Bowers suffered in that contest, and he hasn’t quite been at 100%, but quarterback Geno Smith says the Raiders must figure out a way to get their All-Pro the ball more.
The post Raiders News: Pete Carroll Confirms Jackson Powers-Johnson’s Status appeared first on Raiders Newswire.