It's time for difficult decisions to be made.
No NFL team is immune from roster cuts, and the Las Vegas Raiders must take their locker room down to 53 players this Sunday. With their preseason now concluded after a 18-12 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, there's a lot of work to be done over the next 48 hours.
"You develop relationships with these guys since April and they give you their heart and their soul and all their time, and eventually it comes down to this." Klint Kubiak said Friday morning via video conference
"But there's also so many examples of guys that have been cut and make practice squads and make a team, or guys that get claimed by other teams, or guys that get cut five times and make 12-year careers. ... You get better and you learn and you fail forward."
Here's what Kubiak had to say regarding the preseason finale and the status of the team moving forward.
On the quarterback depth chart:
"We have three guys that are ready to play. And it's going to be some hard decisions on who's one, who's two, and that's not a decision that we have to make today. But those are discussions that are ongoing."
On Kirk Cousins:
"I just think he's taking practice to the field. Like you said, he's led scoring drives. We would have loved to lead three touchdown scoring drives. So, we're not satisfied with field goals and that's an area that we need to improve at. But I see a guy that's leading the offense."
On Ashton Jeanty's injury:
"He's still on the mend and we're still working to get him back. We've got another week to assess how he's going to look going into this first game, but we're counting on him."
On Ashton Jeanty and Mike Washington Jr. as a rushing tandem:
"I think that they're both going to prepare to play a lot of football and as these games unfold, you react to the game. I think we got two guys that we're really excited about. ... They just got to make the most of every rep that they get. Not making any promises on percentages of play time. It's when you get to the game, sometimes the guy you think is going to have five carries has 20. Sometimes the guy you think is going to be just a scat protection back is in there blocking six-man protection for 20 reps. So, we've got to get ready for them to play in all phases."
On the defense vs. the 49ers:
"Obviously, I love how fast our defense started and how great of a job they did on third down, in the red zone. I thought our coaches have done an excellent job. I look forward to going and playing these games with our starters for a full four quarters and then playing a full game together."
On defensive end Patrick Johnson:
"Saw a guy that's a professional, a guy that plays extremely hard. He's productive. Ever since he's come in here, he's made plays for us."
On his overall assessment of team:
"I love our guys. I love how hard they work. I love how mature they are. I love how important the game is to them and how important playing for the Silver and Black is to them. I can't wait to go on this journey with them for the next 17 weeks in a row."
View photos from the Raiders' preseason matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Kolton Miller (74) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Brock Bowers (89) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker (1) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Kwity Paye (95) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) and running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Mike Washington Jr. (30) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Michael Mayer (87) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jack Bech (18) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) and linebacker Segun Olubi (50) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Taron Johnson (3) and linebacker Nakobe Dean (17) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Treydan Stukes (31) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Jalen Nailor (9) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Jermod McCoy (28) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43), safety Isaiah Pola-Mao (20) and linebacker Tommy Eichenberg (44) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dylan Laube (23) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Thomas Booker IV (99) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Buddy Johnson (59) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Deven Thompkins (83) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Malik Benson (19) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Patrick Johnson (93) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Dalton Johnson (43), defensive end Keyron Crawford (42) and linebacker Segun Olubi (50) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Caleb Rogers (76) and quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Roman Hemby (37) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders guard Trey Zuhn III (66) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cameron McGrone (57) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cameron McGrone (57) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Aidan O'Connell (12) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
\32Las Vegas Raiders running back Dare Ogunbowale (32) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Charles Grant (60) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
The Las Vegas Raiders during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devin Lafayette (40) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tackle Isaiah Jatta (72) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders linebacker Cameron McGrone (57) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders safety Devyn Perkins (49) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Cian Slone (48) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (90) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (90) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Jahfari Harvey (91) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders center/guard Jordan Meredith (61) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders punter AJ Cole (6) and kicker Matt Gay (14) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders tight end Patrick Gurd (45) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Shedrick Jackson (4) and safety Devin Lafayette (40) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (90) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (90) and tackle Gary Smith III (75) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Gary Smith III (75) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Gary Smith III (75) and defensive tackle Treven Ma'ae (68) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Greedy Vance (22) and safety Devin Lafayette (40) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders cornerback Decamerion Richardson (25) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
Las Vegas Raiders defensive tackle Brandon Cleveland (90) during the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Allegiant Stadium.
