Las Vegas Raiders rookie offensive lineman Trey Zuhn III earned praise from head coach Klint Kubiak after starting in the team’s Week 8 win over the New York Jets. Although Kubiak stopped short of confirming Zuhn as the permanent starter at right guard, his comments suggest the rookie remains firmly in the coaching staff’s plans.
Trey Zuhn III Earns Praise After First NFL Start
The Raiders defeated the Jets 38-33 on Sunday, November 1, ending a four-game losing streak. Zuhn started at right guard and played every offensive snap, giving the team a new option at a position that has experienced considerable turnover this season.
Jackson Powers-Johnson opened the season as the Raiders’ starting right guard. However, Caleb Rogers eventually replaced him. After continued struggles at the position, Kubiak turned to Zuhn for the Week 8 matchup.
Speaking during his Monday press conference, Kubiak praised the rookie’s preparation and composure. “I thought Trey was calm in there. I thought he was well prepared,” Kubiak said. “That was not a surprise, but I thought he played well.”
The coach also acknowledged that Zuhn still has areas to improve. However, he expressed satisfaction with the rookie’s performance and what he could bring to the team moving forward.
When asked whether Zuhn would continue receiving opportunities, Kubiak offered a brief but encouraging response: “I believe so. Yes.” The comments did not confirm that Zuhn would retain the starting role for the rest of the season. Nevertheless, they gave the rookie a clear vote of confidence following his first appearance in the starting lineup.
Raiders’ Right Guard Position Gets Much-Needed Stability
Zuhn’s performance came at an important time for the Raiders’ offensive line. The team had struggled to establish consistency at right guard through its first eight games. As a result, the coaching staff had already turned to three different players at the position.
The rookie’s Week 8 performance provided some encouraging signs. According to Sumer Sports, Zuhn recorded three impact plays against the Jets. That total ranked third among the Raiders’ offensive linemen, tying him with other contributors and placing him two behind center Tyler Linderbaum.
The offensive line also helped the Raiders produce 95 rushing yards against New York. That marked the team’s highest rushing total since its Week 3 victory. Meanwhile, quarterback Kirk Cousins was sacked just once during the game.
Those numbers offered additional context for Kubiak’s positive assessment. The Raiders had struggled to establish their running game during their four-game losing streak. Therefore, the improved production against New York gave the coaching staff another reason to evaluate the offensive line’s performance before making further changes.
Las Vegas now faces the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9. Zuhn’s role will be worth watching as the team prepares for that matchup.
Kubiak Addresses Other Raiders Personnel Decisions
Zuhn was not the only player discussed during Kubiak’s Monday press conference. The coach also addressed the running back workload following rookie Mike Washington Jr.’s involvement against the Jets.
Washington received 25 carries, while Ashton Jeanty recorded just two. Kubiak said the distribution could change from week to week, depending on which player performs best.
The coach also discussed cornerback Darien Porter, who left the Jets game after one play with a groin injury. His availability for Week 9 remained uncertain as the team monitored his progress.
Additionally, Kubiak explained that rookie cornerback Jermod McCoy would continue receiving opportunities after replacing Porter. He also praised the contributions of Hezekiah “Zeke” Masses, noting that the coaching staff planned to rotate the players.
For Zuhn, however, the immediate takeaway was Kubiak’s approval of his first NFL start. The rookie now has an opportunity to build on that performance as the Raiders prepare for their next game.
