Richie

Incognito

The 39-year-old is retiring as a member of the Raiders. A 2005 third-round pick of the Rams, Incognito spent his first pro season on the NFI list before starting all 16 games in 2006 only to eventually get cut in 2009 after head-butting multiple Titans players and getting into it with then-coach Steve Spagnuolo on the sideline. Incognito finished 2009 with the Bills before signing with the Dolphins in 2010. He was then suspended for the entire 2014 season for his mistreatment of teammate Jonathan Martin. Incognito made one Pro Bowl in Miami but then signed with the Bills following his yearlong suspension only to make three straight Pro Bowls in Buffalo. Incognito briefly retired in 2018 but returned to the field in 2019, spending his last three seasons with the Raiders. A truly fascinating and never dull career, Incognito started all 164 games he played in and was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

Las Vegas’ offensive line has played surprisingly well this season after the Raiders unexpectedly overhauled the unit in the off-season. Incognito was one of the returning starters, but at 38 years old, his ability to stay healthy was a major question this season. He will now miss at least the next three games. The Raiders play the Dolphins, Chargers and Bears in Weeks 3-5.

“I don’t think we’re being cautious,” coach Jon Gruden said on Incognito’s absence. “I don’t think there’s been a setback, it’s just a calf strain. It’s just taking time, and he won’t play this week.” Incognito initially suffered his calf strain in joint practices with the Rams on August 19 and has been sidelined ever since. Josh Jacobs is also ‘doubtful’ after not practicing for a second straight week.

Jacobs didn’t practice all week after hurting his toe and ankle Monday night against Baltimore. He never had a chance to suit up for Week 2. Peyton Barber is expected to take on the primary early-down role for Vegas with Jacobs sidelined, and Kenyan Drake will remain the team’s pass-catching back. Drake’s potential for extra run gives him some sneaky upside in PPR formats only. Barber should be considered a last-ditch option who won’t offer much without a touchdown against the Steelers.

It’s a glaring concern since the Raiders just lost Denzelle Good for the year with a torn ACL. If Cognito can’t go, Las Vegas will have four new starters on its offensive line (against the Steelers, nonetheless) compared to Week 2 last year.

The deal includes a modest $1.1 million guaranteed. Incognito’s return 12 days after being release is the latest domino to fall in the Raiders’ chaotic reshuffling of their offensive line. Incognito is one of the league’s best interior linemen, but he is four months shy of his 38th birthday and was limited to 74 snaps by foot and Achilles issues in 2020. Re-signing him as a starter is a gamble for the Raiders, but a necessary one after they have sent so much line talent out the door. The price is also more than right.

The veteran was an above-average starter in 2019 but only managed to suit up for two games last season. Las Vegas saves $5.5 million by releasing Incognito. He claims to be healthy and ready to play next year which will be his age-38 season. Incognito’s price tag should be affordable. The Raiders offensive line is down two decent starters after letting go Incognito and RG Gabe Jackson. Right tackle Trent Brown is also on the trade block.

Incognito is three months removed from season-ending surgery. He was effective for the two games he played in last year but isn’t a lock to be back as a 38-year-old coming off injury. The Raiders can save $5.5 million if they move on from Incognito this offseason.

It’s a huge loss for the Raiders’ formidable O-line as Cognito had allowed zero sacks on the year. Incognito, 37, was replaced by Denzelle Good, who will stay there for the rest of the season. Incognito is on the books for $6.35 million in 2021 if he decides to return. The Raiders can also move on from him with no dead money against the cap this offseason if it chooses to do so.

Incognito’s Achilles’ isn’t torn, but the Raiders want to get it calmed down, sidelining him for at least three games. John Simpson filled in for Incognito in Week 2 against the Saints. In a corresponding roster move, the Raiders promoted veteran OG Patrick Omameh from the practice squad.