If the Oakland Raiders are going to turn their season around under interim coach Tony Sparano, they will have to do it without a key defensive starter.
The team announced Wednesday that middle linebacker Nick Roach has been placed on season-ending injured reserve.
Roach played every defensive snap in 2013, but has missed all four games this season after suffering a concussion in an Aug. 22 preseason game.
Signed through 2016, Roach is due $2.8 million next season. As he's still experiencing symptoms from his concussion, it's not a lock that he will resume his career in Oakland.
The Raiders signed former Eagles linebacker Jamar Chaney for depth behind Miles Burris, who has been shifted over the from weak side. With Burris in the middle, Jason Tarver's defense ranks 31st against the run this season -- despite excellent run support from rookie Khalil Mack on the outside.
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