For an offensive line facing many uncertainties, left tackle Kolton Miller is a rare constant, despite missing most of the offseason and preseason due to shoulder surgery.
Miller’s strong performance and leadership make him a key figure for the Raiders, and his presence is highly valued.
“There’s not a lot of people like him in the NFL and the world in general,” said center Andre James. “Having a person who’s that big and can move and bend the way he does, he’s a special person.
Watching him go against Maxx (Crosby) and some of these players, it’s like, ‘Wow, he hasn’t missed a beat.’ He’s been gone for so long. It’s pretty cool.”
Miller started training camp on the physically unable to perform list but returned to practice on August 20.
He was confident about his ability to perform at his usual level. Pro Football Focus rated him as the 10th-best tackle in the league.
“As far as the sets and everything and the footwork, it all feels like riding a bike again,” Miller said. “I feel good. It’s just working the combinations together, just working as an offense.”
With the season opener against the Los Angeles Chargers on September 8 approaching, the Raiders are eager to have him back.
Miller and James are the only returning players in their same positions from last season.
At left guard, the Raiders will likely use veteran Cody Whitehair, who has been working at the position due to Jackson Powers-Johnson missing most of camp with an undisclosed injury.
