Midway through Raiders training camp, the battle between Eddy Pineiro and incumbment kicker Giogio Tavecchio ended. They let Tavecchio go in favor of veteran kicker, Mike Nugent. And thus began a new battle for the Raiders kicker spot.
Even still, it appeared the job was Pineiro’s to lose. The undrafted rookie looked very good in camp and made all three attempts in the team’s first preseason game against the Lions, including makes from 45 and 48 yards.
Then he was lost to a groin injury and hasn’t returned.