The Las Vegas Raiders held their final practice before their preseason finale with the Arizona Cardinals. The next time they step back on the practice field, it will be as their initial 53-man roster, which must be finalized by 1 p.m. PT on Tuesday, August 26.
Here is a roundup of notes, quotes and observations from their final practice of camp.
Offense
- Dont'e Thornton Jr. continues to be a big target as Geno Smith found the rookie in the end zone during red zone drills.
- "I think he gives us something different than what we had previously with his size and speed," wide receivers coach Chris Beatty said of Thornton. "Those measurables give him a chance to be successful but it's all about what he does when he gets on the field, making plays. And that's part of the process too for him. It's all about learning how to play the position."
- After missing Wednesday's practice due to family matters, running back Raheem Mostert returned in full form. He continued to split carries with Zamir White and Sincere McCormick on the second-team.
- It was another smooth practice for the tight end room, with Brock Bowers and Qadir Ismail recording receptions in team period.
Defense
- Kyu Blu Kelly also returned to practice after being out Wednesday with hamstring tightness, according to Pete Carroll. Kelly has spent the last few practices spending a larger amount of time with the first-team.
- Germaine Pratt made a nice pass deflection in the middle of the field as he dropped back in coverage. He seemingly continues to be the starting WILL linebacker in their base defense, however Jamal Adams could be on his heels for the starting job.
- Defensive backs Decamerion Richardson and Terrell Edmunds played a handful of reps with the first-team Thursday. Both might see a good deal of playing time in Saturday's preseason game.
- Rookie Tonka Hemingway should be in line for a lot of reps this Saturday as well, as he's seen a lot of time on the field this week in practice.
- Tyree Wilson continued to build upon his momentum from Wednesday's practice. His versatility gives the defense the option to move him anywhere across the line.
- "This kid has come a long way," defensive line coach Rob Leonard said. "From playing four-point stance four-eyed, staring at the grass, to two-point stance on the edge in college ... to now playing football from the three-point attacking the line of scrimmage. When this kid gets two steps in the ground, it's going to be a problem regardless of [what] move he does. But just him becoming a pro through all of it, I'm really proud of it."
Special Teams
- Practice began with special teams period. Tre Tucker appears to have a lock on being the team's starting returner, as he's still first on the unofficial depth chart.
- This Saturday's game will be a huge opportunity for several linebackers to make their case for a roster spot as part of special teams. That includes second-year players Tommy Eichenberg and Amari Gainer as well as UDFA Matt Jones from Baylor.
- "I was very fortunate to have a special teams background, so it plays a big factor," linebackers coach John Glenn said. "Obviously the guys starting, they're going to be playing full-time defense. And then we need the dudes that are still on the roster, they've got to make up the core for special teams, which is a third of the game. We preach that in the room, that it has to be one of the most important things that they're doing."
