Jon

Alston

Ricky Brown won the SLB job, beating out Jon Alston. Morrison has averaged an outstanding 125 tackles per season as a four-year starter in Oakland. He’s not a traditional run-stuffing “MIKE,” but is a clear-cut LB1 in IDP leagues.

Oakland may try to re-sign Alston at a lesser salary. He can cover kicks and play outside linebacker in a pinch. Barnes’ career has fallen apart quickly.

The athletic Stanford product will add depth and help on special teams for Oakland. Alston was a third-round pick by St. Louis in 2006.

Alston lined up at SS in Oakland’s 4-4 package last year and for some pre-game warmups, but rarely played there in games. With Michael Huff moving to free safety, there’s an outside chance Alston could start opposite him.

Alston is more of a nickel ‘backer, but he doesn’t have much competition in Oakland. Ricky Brown is working behind Kirk Morrison at middle linebacker, calling Sam Williams a productive special teamer would be generous, and rookie Slade Norris isn’t ready. It’s a position of weakness for the Raiders.

Alston is undergoing testing to determine how to proceed, coach Tom Cable said. Alston suffered two concussions within six weeks and he’s almost certainly out for Thursday’s game against the Cowboys. Sam Williams had four tackles while filling in during the Week 11 upset of the Bengals.

Alston, a third-round pick by the Rams in 2006, emerged as a starter in Oakland after Ricky Brown’s injury and wound up with 23 tackles in nine games. He’s better cut out to be a special teamer, however, and won’t draw interest as a defender on the restricted free agent market this offseason.

Alston is listed as questionable. He’s suffered two concussions since Oct. 11 and it’s unknown if this “illness” is related. Alston was splitting time with Sam Williams on the strong side.

Alston is a special teamer and situational player on defense.

Alston failed to draw a tender from the Raiders, leaving him free to sign with any team. He’d be limited to special teams and backup duties should he sign with the Jets.