For Raiders offensive lineman Alex Parsons, life as a Raider has been like something out of the movie “Groundhog Day.”

Two years ago, Parsons was released at the end of training camp in the final cut after being signed as an undrafted rookie out of USC. Two days later, the Raiders signed him to their practice squad.

Last year, Parsons re-signed with the Raiders. He made it to the final cut but was released again. Two days later, the Raiders added him to their practice squad.

Parsons re-signed with the Raiders again this year, only this time he might have a chance to flip the script and make the 53-man team as a backup center and guard.

“The ups and downs literally taught me humility,” Parsons said. “Getting cut a couple of times, last year thinking I was going to make the team and being one of the last cuts, it hurt me a little. But you got to bounce back.”

A few changes to the roster and to the starting offensive line have boosted Parsons’ chances to survive. Samson Satele, who started at center last year, signed with Indianapolis as a free agent. Stefen Wisniewski moved from left guard to center this year. Wisniewski doubled as the Raiders’ backup center last year. Now that job will go to someone else.

While Wisniewski recovered from shoulder surgery, Parsons worked at center with the first team throughout the entire offseason program.

“I’ve been pleased with Alex,” Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. “He’s come along. … I like Alex. I think he’s done a good job for us, and he’s a guy that is a potential center-guard swing candidate.”

Parsons said he was encouraged by the fact that the Raiders pursued him yet again this year, but he knows better than to be to be overconfident.

“They told me I was on the radar and that I will get a fair shot,” Parsons said. “I have been hearing that for years.”

Parsons said he reported to camp nearly 25 pounds lighter than last year, going from 326 to 303. That has him better prepared for the Raiders’ new zone-blocking scheme.

“Knowing the system and knowing there is going to be sideline to sideline running, I just had to prepare myself for it,” Parsons said.

Two years ago, practice squad players traveled with the team for road games, but last year they stayed home.

“It’s not very fun to see your team out there and you are sitting at home,” Parsons said. “It adds fuel to the fire, makes you run a little more and lift a little more that day. You want to prove yourself more.”

Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLOAK.