Injury Plagued Raiders Plug Holes

With the injuries to Left Tackle Jared Veldheer (torn tricep, likely out 10-12 weeks), UDFA OT John Wetzel (waived today), newly acquired free agent OLB Kaluka Maiava (leg related), and 2nd year OLB Miles Burris (knee)...the Raiders have brought in two position specific free agents.

Offensive Tackle Tony Hills, who was most recently released by the Buffalo Bills, but was drafted by and spent the most time with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Outside Linebacker Chase Thomas, who was brought into the New Orleans Saints organization as an UDFA.  Thomas was seeing time with the Saints 1st Team (due to injuries) recently.  Thomas had his most productive season in 2011 as a college player for Stanford.  Jason Tarver was the DC at Stanford in 2011, and likely had a strong say in bringing Thomas in to fill the gap left by Maiava and Burris.  The Raiders claimed Thomas off waivers today.