Trey Zuhn Was Limited. Las Vegas Needs Three Protection Answers for Fernando Mendoza
Trey Zuhn's limited practice status does not change the Raiders' starting five, but it sharpens three protection jobs before Fernando Mendoza's first start against Seattle.
What the practice report actually says
The Raiders' Wednesday injury report listed offensive lineman Trey Zuhn as limited with a concussion. That is a participation label, not a game designation and not evidence that he will miss Sunday. Las Vegas' current unofficial depth chart lists Zuhn behind DJ Glaze at right tackle, while Caleb Rogers is the reserve behind Jackson Powers Johnson at right guard. The distinction matters: this is not a claim that the starting line changed. It is a warning that the second layer of the protection plan may be thinner while the rookie quarterback takes his first start.
The same report listed tight end Ian Thomas as a full participant with an ankle issue. The depth chart places him behind Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. A healthy third tight end matters because an attached tight end can chip an edge defender, sell outside zone and then release. That lets Las Vegas help a tackle without turning every passing concept into a six man protection.
Three jobs must stay connected
First, the Raiders must define the edge before the snap. Seattle entered the week with a 27 percent pressure rate, according to the Raiders' official Week 10 preview. The cleanest answer is not simply more blockers. Las Vegas can vary the launch point, attach a tight end and force the edge defender to read run action before attacking Fernando Mendoza's set point. The goal is to keep the rookie's first read on schedule.
Second, center Tyler Linderbaum and Mendoza must make the same declaration. A late safety rotation can change which side owns the extra rusher. One clear Mike point and one clear slide call are more valuable than a complicated menu the rookie cannot operate at full speed. This is editorial analysis, not a report of the Raiders' call sheet.
Third, the ball needs a defined clock. Seattle ranks first in total defense and pass defense through the comparison period in the Raiders' official preview. Quick game, running back check releases and intermediate play action can reduce the number of snaps on which the rookie has to win after the pocket changes shape. That does not mean surrendering explosive attempts. It means choosing them from protected looks rather than obvious passing downs.
Football and fantasy consequence
For the offense, the main consequence is sequencing. A stable early down run and play action menu can keep Las Vegas out of long third downs, where Seattle's pressure package has more freedom. Bowers can be part of the protection answer without disappearing from the route plan because a chip can become a delayed release. Ashton Jeanty's fantasy value would benefit from sustained drives and checkdown access, but this article is not a projection of touches, receptions or scoring. Managers should wait for the later practice reports before changing any lineup decision.
The strongest counterargument is straightforward: Zuhn is listed as a reserve, so a limited Wednesday does not automatically endanger the starting five. That is correct. The practical issue is contingency quality. If Glaze needs help or if the Raiders want a sixth offensive lineman package, the available menu depends on the reserves being prepared. The next useful checkpoints are Thursday and Friday participation, then any final game designation.
Sources and check time
Sources checked Nov. 12, 2026, 2:03 PM CST: Raiders Seahawks Week 10 injury report, https://www.raiders.com/news/raiders-seahawks-week-10-injury-report ; Raiders Week 10 depth chart, https://www.raiders.com/team/depth-chart ; Raiders official Week 10 preview, https://www.raiders.com/news/game-preview-klint-kubiak-looking-for-raiders-offense-to-continue-resurgence-against-seahawks . Comparison period: the first nine games of the 2026 regular season as presented in the official preview.
The embedded post below is the Raiders' public status linking the Wednesday injury report. It was opened and verified before publication.
Related Football Nation coverage: Read the separate Seahawks at Raiders Week 10 preview.
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