Former undrafted Alabama standout promoted from practice squad to NFL active roster
By Jake Rill
Published:
Although Lester Cotton started 28 games during his career at Alabama, he wasn’t selected in the 2019 NFL draft. But now, there’s positive news for the former Crimson Tide offensive lineman.
On Saturday, the Oakland Raiders signed Cotton off their practice squad, adding him to the 53-man active roster for Sunday’s game against the Chicago Bears in London. It’s possible he will make his NFL debut during the contest at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Cotton, who is 6-foot-4, 335 pounds, signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent on May 2. At the end of the preseason, he was waived on Aug. 31. However, he was signed to Oakland’s practice squad the next day.
The Raiders needed offensive line depth after they placed Jordan Devey on the reserve/injured list, and Cotton provides them with flexibility. He started 13 games at right guard in 2017 and 10 at left guard in 2018 for Alabama.
Cotton wasn’t expected to start Sunday for the Raiders, who were likely to start Richie Incognito and Denzelle Good at the guard spots. Guard Gabe Jackson is also expected to return soon after tearing his MCL during training camp.
However, Cotton will have an opportunity to prove himself if he gets into Sunday’s game now that he’s on Oakland’s active roster.
Jake Rill contributes to news coverage for Saturday Down South. He has covered the SEC since 2016.
