Donald Penn Injury: Raiders left tackle ruled out for season ahead of Eagles game

The Oakland Raiders received some bad news following their Week 15 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night. Starting left tackle Donald Penn, who got hurt during the game, is now out for the rest of the season due to a foot injury.

Penn, who was named to the Pro Bowl last year, has played all 16 games in every season since 2007. He ranks 27th out of 85 offensive tackles graded by Pro Football Focus this season.

When Penn left the Raiders-Cowboys game early, Oakland moved right tackle Marshall Newhouse over to his spot. Then Vadal Alexander came off the bench to play where Newhouse usually does. Note that Newhouse ranks 56th out of 85 while Alexander ranks 70th out of 85.

The Raiders haven’t officially been eliminated from the playoffs yet but it would basically take a miracle at this point. The game results prior to Monday could mathematically end their very slim hopes. If that’s the case, they might not be the most desperate team heading into Philly.

The Eagles, on the other hand, should be motivated to beat Oakland on Christmas. A win for the Eagles means securing the No. 1 seed.

With Penn out, the Philadelphia’s pass rush could pose a bigger threat to Derek Carr and the Raiders offense. Derek Barnett and Vinny Curry will get to go up against whoever they stick on the left side.