Raiders Insider Hints Something is Going on with Jackson Powers-Johnson and the Coaching Staff

The Raiders' coaching staff initiated a position swap between Jackson Powers-Johnson and Jordan Meredith, initially appearing as an effort to get both players on the field. However, as the situation continues, speculation has grown that the move might be intended to send a message to Powers-Johnson.

Beat writers, including Vinny Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, have suggested Powers-Johnson might be "on notice." Hondo Carpenter of Sports Illustrated, while stating he'd be surprised if Powers-Johnson isn't a starter when the season begins, acknowledged the prolonged situation and a recent injury. Carpenter interpreted Pete Carroll's comments as potentially indicating the coaches are trying to motivate the young player and get more out of him, suggesting Powers-Johnson has something to demonstrate to the staff.

Analysts like Jesse Merrick noted continued uncertainty surrounding the situation among those close to the team. This represents a shift from earlier in training camp when Powers-Johnson was considered a near-lock starter on the offensive line; by the second week of August, his starting role appears less certain.

The situation has also prompted reactions from Raiders fans ("RaiderNation") on social media. Opinions range from confusion over Powers-Johnson potentially not starting at center (with some criticizing Meredith's performance), frustration with the new front office/coaching staff's decisions, defense of the new regime needing time, and theories that both players are being cross-trained for flexibility with the best center ultimately emerging.