Henry Lawrence Loses Job as Raider Starting Tackle

Another Raider is leaving the lineup, courtesy of the Seattle Seahawks’ pass rush, but this one isn’t because of injury.

Sitting down is the veteran right tackle Henry Lawrence, the offensive line’s only Pro Bowler (1983-84). Going into his spot is Shelby Jordan.

Lawrence, 35 and a 13-year pro, had a hard time in Seattle against defensive end Jacob Green and a harder time the week before against the Philadelphia Eagles’ Reggie White. White had four sacks. Lawrence also drew a holding penalty while trying to block White on another play that wiped out a touchdown pass to Jesse Hester.

Actually, the speculation among Raider players was that Jordan was going to replace the other tackle, Bruce Davis. Davis had his own problems in Seattle and has led the team in holding penalties all season.

However, Jordan, no kid himself at 34, is a natural right tackle. And in Sunday’s game against Kansas City at the Coliseum, he’ll be across from the leading Chief sacker, Art Still.

It was the rarest of Raider lineup changes, in that they acknowledged it rather than ascribing it to some minor injury, like Dave Dalby’s turf toe.

“We just needed some freshness,” Coach Tom Flores said Thursday. “I don’t want to make a scapegoat out of anybody, especially a guy like Henry, who helped us win two championships. But a change just had to be made.”

Lawrence has started the last 140 Raider games.

Raider Notes Also ending Sunday will be Lester Hayes’ streak of 149 straight starts. . . . The Raiders signed another of their alumni, safety Odis McKinney. Rookie defensive end Mike Wise was put on the injured list to make room for him. . . . Jim Plunkett returned to practice Thursday and is expected to start at quarterback Sunday. Dokie Williams did not return and is now looking doubtful, and Jessie Hester is only working lightly. Rod Barksdale and Tim Moffett will probably open as the wide receivers.