ALAMEDA – Losing right tackle Menelik Watson in the preseason was a significant blow. The third-year pro ruptured his left Achilles’ tendon during the third preseason game against Arizona, a troubling development for a promising young player.
Outside of that, the Raiders made it through the preseason intact.
Receiver Andre Holmes missed three weeks with a fractured hand, but he’s back and ready to go against Cincinnati. Tight end Clive Walford was out most of the preseason and, as a rookie, is probably worse off mentally for the time missed. Physically, Walford says he’s 100 percent.
Defensive end Justin Tuck has missed a few weeks, but seemed quietly confident in a quick return.