Powers-Johnson benched on Raiders offense, but looks to ‘embrace every role’

Las Vegas Raiders guard Jackson Powers-Johnson has lost his starting job to rookie third-round pick Trey Zuhn III and has played exclusively on special teams over the past three games. Powers-Johnson, a 2024 second-round selection who won the Rimington Trophy as college football's best center in 2023, opened the season as the starting right guard but was replaced by Caleb Rogers following a blowout loss at New England. Rogers started against Buffalo and Los Angeles before Zuhn took over the role in the team's comeback win over the New York Jets.

Asked Wednesday if he felt the coaching staff gave him a fair evaluation, Powers-Johnson said, "It's why coaches are coaches and players are players. And my job is just to do what they tell me and do it to the best of my ability. So if that's what they think, then I got to step up as a great teammate. Just continue to try to get better and make us go forward." Coach Klint Kubiak has praised Powers-Johnson for his attitude, and the player stood beside Kubiak clapping during the postgame speech after the Jets victory.

Powers-Johnson said he is focused on embracing whatever role he is assigned, including blocking for kicker Matt Gay on special teams. "You've got to embrace every role you're going to get," he said. "I love being able to block for (kicker) Matt Gay. I love Matt, and if that's my role, I'm excited about that role. And after this, I've got to go be a great husband. So I've got to go embrace that role, too. So you've got to embrace every role life gives you."

Zuhn, who called starting a dream come true, is expected to remain in the lineup Sunday against the San Francisco 49ers as the Raiders seek to build on their improved running game. Powers-Johnson said he is happy to help the rookie develop. "Trey's playing great," he said. "He's a really talented young guy. It's really fun to see him go out there and ball out and have a great time. Whatever I can to help him get better, I'm going to do that."

Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal