Raiders sign Perry Riley to address linebacker depth

The Oakland Raiders have signed free-agent linebacker Perry Riley, the team announced Tuesday.

Riley hit the free-agent market over the summer after spending the first six years of his career with the Washington Redskins. He has started in 63 of his 79 NFL appearances.

That experience could make him an important addition for an already thin Raiders defense that may be down a pair of linebackers heading into a Week 5 matchup with the San Diego Chargers.

Ben Heeney was placed on injured reserve with an ankle injury suffered in Sunday's win over the Baltimore Ravens, while Malcolm Smith's status is uncertain due to a groin issue.