Oakland Raiders offensive tackle Alex Barron has identified the injury to teammate Jared Veldheer as an opportunity to win a place in the side.

Veldheer, who was set to be the franchise's starting left tackle, will undergo surgery on his torn left triceps and could miss the entire NFL season with the injury.

Barron has not played an NFL game since 2010 but believes that Veldheer's absence could give him the chance to change that as he looks to stake a claim for a regular starting spot.

"Of course it's an opportunity. First and foremost it's an opportunity to be here, period," Barron told The AP.

"It's another opportunity obviously to go up on the chart and help the team as best I can. My whole thing is I'm going to continue to work and try to help the team as best I can."

Barron is a former first-round draft pick having been chosen 19th overall in 2005.