Last year, linebacker Travis Goethel was on track to win a starting job as a sixth-round rookie, until a back injury caused him to miss half of the regular season. This year, Goethel again was working his way toward a spot on the first team.
And he’s now lost for the year.
Steve Corkran of InsideBayArea.com reports that Goethel suffered a torn knee ligament in practice on Monday, and that he’s expected to miss the entire season.
The development means that Quentin Groves likely will start on the weak side.
Coach Hue Jackson said Tuesday that the injury could prompt the Raiders to bring back Kirk Morrison, and possibly to revisit the possibility of signing free-agent Lofa Tatupu.