Rookie Karl Joseph has been out a while with a toe injury, but the Raiders fared well at strong safety thanks to quality play from Nate Allen. The veteran reserve has extended starter’s experience, and worked well with Reggie Nelson in the back.
A stable position got shaky early in Sunday’s 24-6 loss at Denver, when Allen suffered a concussion and did not return. Keith McGill was the next man up, but he was terrible. He struggled to make tackles, and got a quick hook.
Coaches turned to special teams ace Brynden Trawick, a safety by trade who doesn’t play much defense.