Mike

Brisiel

The Raiders released RG Cooper Carlisle earlier in the day. They’re also expected to move Stefen Wisniewski to center to replace Samson Satele, opening up left guard as well.

Brisiel started 30 games over the past two seasons, but was out of a job after the Raiders signed Austin Howard to man right guard. Brisiel was ticketed to “compete” with Kevin Boothe and Khalif Barnes on the left side, but was always a realistic candidate for release. The move creates $1.38 million in cap space, but leaves behind $3.93 million in dead money. Now 31, Brisiel would reportedly like to continue his playing career, but has struggled mightily the past two seasons.

The Raiders are moving back to a zone-blocking rushing attack. Brisiel not only has five years of experience in the scheme, but also played Oakland coordinator Greg Knapp and OL coach Frank Pollack in Houston. Brisiel should take the right guard vacancy opened by Cooper Carlisle’s release.

“I did what I was supposed to do, and they allowed me to practice so I’m not going to miss any time,” said Brisiel, who was concussed after taking a knee to the back of the head at Atlanta. The Raiders have yet to play a full game with their projected starting five offensive linemen, and it shows. They’ve been a bottom-five unit this season.

Brisiel almost certainly sustained a concussion. He was replaced by Alex Parsons.

It sounds like a procedure that could sideline Brisiel until training camp. Signed away from the Texans last offseason as a zone-blocking guard, Brisiel’s future is up in the air as the Raiders plan to install a power-running offense in 2013. Brisiel, who turns 30 in March, is owed a $4.35 million base salary.

It’s the second concussion he’s dealt with this season. Assuming he sits out the finale, Brisiel will finish a disappointing year with the Raiders, grading out negatively in all aspects by Pro Football Focus. Lucas Nix or Alex Parsons will likely be used to replace him in the starting lineup.

With new signee Austin Howard penciled in at right guard, Brisiel will compete with Kevin Boothe and Khalif Barnes on the left side. According to McKenzie, the Raiders would like the 31-year-old Brisiel to “get bigger.” There’s still a strong chance Brisiel is ultimately released.

Veteran Cooper Carlisle is expected to move to left guard with newcomer Mike Brisiel slotting in at right guard. Wisniewski was rated by most analysts as the top center in last year’s draft; the transition should be smooth.

Brisiel signed a five-year deal last year, but was a big-time bust in his first season with the Silver and Black. At just 300 pounds, he’s also a poor fit for the Raiders’ new power-blocking scheme. Beat writer Steve Corkran opines that the left guard spot is the only one up for competition on Oakland’s offensive line. We wouldn’t be surprised if Lucas Nix upstaged Brisiel at some point.