2011 NFL Predictions: What Does Terrelle Pryor Mean for Backup Quarterbacks?

Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson has ensured the media and the small number of the Raiders’ believers who are left that Terrelle Pryor will start off as a quarterback with the franchise.

If this is indeed true and the coach is not just trying to sell a story until the team finds a solid position for Pryor, there are some other players affected that must be discussed.

The Raiders have five quarterbacks on their roster, including starter Jason Campbell, 2011 NFL draftee Jordan La Secla, as well as 2012 free agents Kyle Boller and Trent Edwards.

The situation looks similar to how it did back when JaMarcus Russell was the talk of the town—released when there seemed to be better backups in the organization.

Pryor being signed for four years solidifies his position for the time being, so who will feel the wrath of the cutting board? One of the free agents, either Boller or Edwards will be deemed expendable. Al Davis and the men of the front office could refuse to offer either of these quarterbacks a place of return.

Oakland has lost both of their preseason games—first to the Arizona Cardinals and then to the San Francisco 49ers.

While Edwards got a few reps after Campbell was unable to continue following a possible minor concussion, Boller also finished the game with 56 yards and an interception. He also averaged 4.25 yards per carry.

Not too bad, but the Raiders need something more than just that to actually stay in any game involving the members of their division this season. The San Diego Chargers appear to be their greatest competition and with Philip Rivers leading the charge, Oakland needs to step up to the table with more ammo than Campbell or a short changed quarterback like Boller or Edwards.

Not to take anything away from either of these men, but the Raiders need to focus on getting a solid No. 1 guy into the starting position so that the franchise can begin to move forward and improve upon their 8-8 season.

If Campbell isn't going to be the quarterback of the future and if neither Boller nor Edwards are going to be awarded the position, where is the organization heading?

Pryor enters the situation with a five-game suspension on his back. Even so, the Raiders took a chance on him. Either Al Davis sees something in this young man that can script a comeback for Oakland, or this is going to be yet another issue on a long list that Davis has brought upon his franchise.

For Pryor’s sake, Coach Jackson may be able to utilize him more than most fans think.

The general consensus on the quarterback coming out of Ohio State is that, although he might have been an amazing college quarterback, he would be a better fit at another position in a pro offense. For instance, tight end or wide receiver.

The following report was released earlier this week via USA Today about Oakland’s true intentions for Pryor.

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ESPN's John Clayton reports that the Raiders are more interested in employing Pryor as a receiver than a quarterback. Receivers are suddenly in demand in Oakland after Jacoby Ford fractured his hand in training camp and Chaz Schilens injured a knee in the preseason opener.

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If this is going to be Pryor’s ultimate job title, then the other four quarterbacks may not need to fret about their position with the team until this season is over.

One less man in the rotation means that Boller, Edwards and La Secla can breathe slightly easier. That is, unless Davis starts running the team as if he wishes to win and makes some moves that will assist the Raiders in the long run.

We will have to wait at least five games to see how this all works out.

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