Skip to main content

Raiders take key hit ahead of Chiefs game with Kelechi Osemele ruled out


play
Show Caption

KANSAS CITY – The Oakland Raiders’ vaunted offensive line suffered a significant loss when left guard Kelechi Osemele was ruled out of Thursday night’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs with an illness.

The Raiders’ offensive line, one of the biggest and most physical groups in the NFL, has powered Oakland’s explosive offense and mauling running game. Osemele, who signed with the Raiders as a free agent from Baltimore in March, has played at a Pro Bowl level this year.

He will be replaced by Vadal Alexander.

On a frigid night at Arrowhead Stadium, the Raiders will likely need to be dominant on the ground in order to beat the Chiefs and extend their lead in the AFC West.

The Raiders also listed starting safety Karl Joseph and starting defensive tackle Stacy McGee out with injuries.

Follow Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.

PHOTOS: Week 14 games ranked by watchability