The Las Vegas Raiders, off to a 1-3 start, named veteran Stone Forsythe their new left tackle this week, with coach Pete Carroll saying the switch was necessary to stabilize a battered offensive line.
Carroll drafted Forsythe during his previous tenure and expressed trust in the veteran:
“We were with them right from the beginning, and love the kid and the work ethic, the smarts,” Carroll addressed the media on Tuesday. “His mentality is just right. He's started probably 14-15 games or something, and started on the left side four or five times as well. So, we're confident that he can do the job. That's why we went after him.
“And this is, unfortunately, the scenario that arises, puts him in the play time,” he added. “So, he's ready to go and excited about it. Look forward to it, and I have no, no problem with him playing. I've played with him before.”
The decision comes days before a critical Sunday test against the 3-1 Indianapolis Colts (AFC South) at Lucas Oil Stadium. Forsythe will immediately face the challenge of protecting an offense searching for rhythm.
At the same time, rookie running back Ashton Jeanty has surged into the spotlight. Jeanty, who struggled early, returned to his upright stance after abandoning the lower setup pushed in camp. The result: 138 rushing yards and a touchdown on 21 carries, plus two scores through the air in last week’s loss to Chicago.
“I mean, it came about really, I'd say more my junior year in college,” Jeanty said. “Just kind of did it. I mean, coaches will always tell you to kind of stay in more of the bent stance, but I don't know. I just feel more comfortable that way, more relaxed. And then, you know, just reading the defense. Can't really explain it more different than that, but that's just what I do.”
Carroll called Jeanty’s eruption “just a matter of time,” while quarterback Geno Smith shouldered the blame for costly turnovers in the last loss.
“Yeah, just take care of the football,” Smith said. “I mean, that’s the main thing. That I saw from that game, I thought overall I thought we played a good game on offense. I just think turnovers are obviously going to be a killer and that hurt us in that game. But even with all that, you still had a chance to win at the end. So, we have a really good team.”
Now the Raiders must prove they can hold up against Colts defensive standouts DeForest Buckner and Zaire Franklin. Forsythe, Jeanty, and Smith represent the trio carrying Carroll’s high-stakes gamble into a game that could define the early season.
Raiders and Colts Injury Status:
The Raiders listed B. Bowers (TE), B. Jackson (LB), M. Mayer (TE), and E. Stokes (DB) as participants. D. Richardson (DB) had full participation, while J. Shorter (TE) did not.
For the Colts, Z. Franklin (LB), M. Goncalves (OL), T. Goodson (RB), X. Howard (DB), K. Moore (DB), and D. Scott (DB) did not participate. A. Pierce (WR) had full participation.