The Las Vegas Raiders suffered a crushing blow to their offensive line this week, as star left tackle Kolton Miller has been ruled for the Injured Reserve following a severe ankle injury. Ian Rapoport reported, “Sources: #Raiders OT Kolton Miller received bad news on his ankle following further testing. It’s a high-ankle sprain and a hairline fracture, rather than just a sprain. The MRI revealed the sprain, a CT scan revealed the fracture. He’s headed for Injured Reserve.”
Miller’s absence comes after a promising Week 4 performance where the Raiders’ offensive line finally gave quarterback Geno Smith a clean pocket and paved lanes for rookie running back Ashton Jeanty, who rushed for 240 yards and a touchdown at 7.7 yards per carry against the Chicago Bears. Miller had been the lone bright spot on a struggling line, and his leadership and experience are irreplaceable.
A Line Already On Life Support
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The Raiders entered the 2025 season hoping to rebound from a 4-13 campaign marked by injuries and inconsistency. Early-season setbacks have already plagued the team: tight end Brock Bowers struggled after a Week 1 injury, and starting lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson missed two games due to a practice injury.
With Miller sidelined, head coach Pete Carroll confirmed that Stone Forsythe will likely start at left tackle. “Stone’s played a lot of football and done a nice job for us since he’s been here, and he would be the first choice,” Carroll said. Carroll also mentioned rookie Charles Grant as a potential option, though the third-round pick has yet to appear in a game this season.
Forsythe Steps Into a Pivotal Role
Forsythe, who joined the Raiders just over a month ago, has a mixed track record, having started only nine games in three seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. His Pro Football Focus grades have largely been below average, leaving Raider Nation skeptical about the team’s ability to maintain offensive continuity.
Replacing Miller is no small task; he had earned a $66 million contract extension this offseason and has been the unit’s anchor. Levi Damien of Raiders Wire described the tense scene following Miller’s injury: “Miller was helped up, but put no weight at all on his right leg as he was loaded on the cart… Pete Carroll said after the game that Miller had a sprained ankle. Test results have revealed it’s a high ankle sprain, which is the most severe and he is expected to miss several weeks with the injury.”
Looking Ahead
The Raiders (1-3) will hit the road next week to face the Indianapolis Colts, likely without their elite left tackle. The team’s offensive line depth will be tested immediately, and maintaining protection for Geno Smith and production for Jeanty will be critical if Las Vegas hopes to salvage its season.