Mario

Henderson

His competition will be Mario Henderson, who Oakland remains high on and could end up on the right side if Barnes wins. Either way, JaMarcus’ blindside protection projects to be shaky again. Barnes’ signing probably rules out the Raiders from using their first-round pick (No. 7) at offensive tackle.

Henderson, 27, was out of football last year after reporting to Raiders camp out of shape following the lockout. He’d be worth a kick of the tires.

The signing hasn’t been reported or confirmed by the team. Henderson can play both tackle spots, and could be a useful swing tackle if he’s in shape. He would have been in the NFL last season if he’d have kept up his conditioning.

Henderson is a highly athletic but developmental project from Florida State. He probably won’t be any more than a swing tackle in his first season.

Free agent signing Khalif Barnes is expected to compete for a starting role, but for now is behind Henderson, who was solid in the closing weeks of the ’08 season. Erik Pears is set to backup Green on the other side. C Samson Satele remains out of action following shoulder surgery.

Henderson improved throughout last season and was solid down the stretch. Ex-Jaguar starter Khalif Barnes is around for insurance if Henderson struggles in preseason action.

Henderson, penciled in as the Raiders’ starting left tackle ahead of Khalif Barnes, has two years remaining on his rookie deal. He’ll surely angle for a contract extension next offseason if he keeps the position all year.

That’s good news for JaMarcus Russell and Jeff Garcia, as Henderson will be protecting their blind side. Henderson shut down pass rushers like Mario Williams and Richard Seymour in December last season and is building off it.

Henderson has been overwhelmed since coming into the league and is coming off a lousy preseason. JaMarcus Russell owners should note that Henderson could be protecting Russell’s blindside at Arrowhead Stadium Sunday if Harris’ condition doesn’t improve.

Chiefs RE Tamba Hali’s matchup couldn’t be better. He had six tackles and a breakup in the opener and will be a fine bet to notch his first sack in Week 2.