Presented By

Raiders Mailbag: Who steps up in Kolton Miller's absence?

Oct 01, 2025 at 12:20 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

Rodney H. Washington asks:

"When's Bech going to get into the mix?"

After being drafted in the second round this year, Jack Bech has only played in 12 percent of offensive snaps through four games. The most he's played in a game so far this season has been against the Washington Commanders in Week 3, with 16 offensive snaps and 12 on special teams.

Despite lack of playing time, Bech has found a way to be productive with his earned opportunities. He has two catches for 33 yards so far this season, averaging 16.5 yards a reception. Both of his catches also accounted for first downs.

At the moment, Tre Tucker and rookie Dont'e Thornton Jr. seem to have a hold of the starting wideout roles with Jakobi Meyers at slot receiver. However, more chances for Bech to make plays could be coming soon, indicated by the Raiders head coach.

"He just needs more," Pete Carroll said. "Yeah, I've already addressed that one that we just need to get him out there more. He's in rotations that just didn't get him enough snaps. So, he's capable of playing more snaps and should."

Related Links

Marcus Guerrero asks:

"Is Kenny Pickett starting next week?"

The answer is pretty simple.

"Nope. We're not there," Carroll said when asked after the Raiders' 25-24 loss to the Chicago Bears.

This has become a question due to Geno Smith and his turnover woes over the last three games. Since Week 2, he's thrown six interceptions. His only game not turning the ball over this season was against the Commanders, throwing 289 yards and three touchdowns in that outing.

And while many have been critical of Smith's play after throwing three interceptions against the Bears, he's taken full accountability.

"There's a lot of things I'm going to have to fix within myself, and that's the reality," Smith said. "I'm not going to sugar coat it, I got to be a lot better, and I am a lot better, but it hasn't showed up. The guy that I'm supposed to be hasn't showed up yet. I'll take pride in fixing this stuff."

Carroll is also confident his quarterback will fix the things needed to stop committing turnovers. In Smith's five seasons under Carroll in Seattle, he had a 55:21 touchdown to interception ratio.

"I'm not worried about his confidence," Carroll said. "He has to reevaluate the timing of the choice. He was too comfortable in the throw. ... What I'm concerned about is, I want to make sure we're practicing him so that he understands that some of those shows aren't there. He hits everything in practice. He's ridiculously accurate and has been the whole time we've been together. And so, he's really confident and thought he could get it, and game speed was a little bit different. So, that's where he grows. The game speed is a little bit different than the practice that we can create and some of those choices go to checkdowns."

Jack Mitchell asks:

"Now that Kolton's out, will they sign a free agent to replace him?"

Kolton Miller was placed on the Reserve/Injured list Tuesday after suffering an ankle injury late in the fourth quarter against the Bears. This obviously creates a void on the Raiders offensive line with Miller being a consistent anchor for the unit.

To answer your question Jack, the Silver and Black signed tackle Leroy Watson IV to the practice squad. Watson started four games for the Tennessee Titans in 2024.

As for who steps up at starting left tackle for Miller, Stone Forsythe seems like the immediate predecessor. He was drafted by Seattle Seahawks in 2021, and recorded nine starts under Carroll during his tenure there. Rookie Charles Grant also has an opportunity to earn more playing time at left tackle. While Grant is still adjusting at going from FCS football to the NFL, he's had more time to become acquainted with Chip Kelly's playbook than Forsythe, who signed with the team on August 27.

"Stone's played a lot of football and has done a nice job for us since he's been here," Carroll said, "and he would be the first choice, but this is an opportunity for Charles to make a charge for it, and we'll see how he does. He's done really well so far, so we'll see what happens."

1 / 50

Las Vegas Raiders center Will Putnam (67) and tight end Carter Runyon (46) as the team is introduced onto the field before their regular season home game against the Chicago Bears at Allegiant Stadium.