Raiders losing captain Justin Tuck ‘a tough one'

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ALAMEDA -- Justin Tuck was named a Raiders team captain by a vote of his peers. He is as well respected as anyone in the locker room, a fact earned with a resume of past and present on-field accomplishments.

That’s why losing Tuck for the year is such a significant blow. An NFL source said the 32-year will be placed on season-end injured reserve with a torn right pectoral muscle in the near future, and will have surgery to repair damage in the coming days.

[NEWS: Source: Raiders to place Tuck on season-ending IR]

“You really hate it for the player,” safety Charles Woodson said. “We all want to be on the field. No one wants to miss time. That’s a tough one.”

Tuck was extremely well liked, and was active in trying to improve the Raiders roster. He campaigned for veterans to join the Silver and Black last season, and was instrumental in bringing former 49ers edge rusher Aldon Smith to the East Bay. He was a big brother to emerging superstar Khalil Mack and the glue that bonded the defensive line together.

“It’ll be a challenge not having him out there on the field,” Mack said. “He’s a leader of the team, and having that type of injury is difficult. It’s one that he has remained positive about. We’ve all been positive with him and let him know that we still want to see him around. Having his leadership is really more important than anything.”

The Raiders have a surplus of veteran leadership on offense and defense, including Woodson, left tackle Donald Penn and fullback Marcel Reece. While he isn’t required to stay in Alameda -- he is an unrestricted free agent at season’s end -- his teammates expect him to be around some.

“The thing about Tuck is that he’s a leader amongst men,” Woodson said. “I don’t think that, as far as his leadership and what he brings in that sense, is going to change much. That’s just how he is. I know a lot of the guys here, especially in the defensive line room, look up to Tuck. I don’t think that will waver at all.”

The Raiders will look to second-round pick Mario Edwards Jr. to fill Tuck’s role on defense. Edwards’ skill set fits well there, as a 3-4 defensive end and an interior rusher in passing-down sub packages.

Edwards filled in well over 50 snaps Sunday for a concussed Denico Autry. He’ll become a starter and a fixture in this front seven. Edwards is a solid run stopper with improving pass-rushing skills, shown with a half-sack of Peyton Manning.

Edwards Jr. is part of the Raiders future up front. It’s uncertain if Tuck will be. He’s near the end of a two-year, $10-million contract that has been beneficial to player and team. He could come back next season at age 33, and certainly has the skill to extend a storied career featuring 66.5 sacks and two Super Bowl rings.

He has also made an impact on those around him since joining the Raiders, especially Mack.

“I spoke to him about this the other day,” Mack said. “He has played a huge part (in my life) professionally and personally building as a man. I look up to him in those regards. He has been a very influential part of my life thus far.”

 

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