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Training Camp Notebook 8/5: Chemistry between Brock Bowers and Geno Smith continues to grow

The Las Vegas Raiders got in one last practice before they travel for their preseason opener against the Seattle Seahawks this Thursday.

Here's a look at what transpired within a day's work.

Notes and Observations from Day 11 of practice

Offense

  • For a third straight practice, Geno Smith found Brock Bowers for a touchdown. From last Saturday's mock game to Tuesday's practice, it's been five touchdowns between the two.
  • "The talent is obvious," Smith said of Bowers. "The talent that he has – a big body who runs like a receiver, runs like a slot receiver, catches like a X receiver or a Z receiver, blocks like a tight end. I mean, he's got the full gambit of what you want from a tight end."
  • It was another good day of practice for Smith, who has continually showcased pinpoint accuracy in red zone drills and team period. Top targets were Bowers, as mentioned, along with tight end Michael Mayer and receiver Tre Tucker. Smith even went out his way to compare Tucker to former NFL receiver Santana Moss.
  • "I think he's going to be a really big contributor to this offense. Tre's a guy who works hard every single day," Smith said. "He does all the right things on and off the field like a true professional, a true leader. ... I think he's a spitting image of Santana Moss and I think he can be a really, really good player. I look forward to all the things that we can accomplish together but right now he's a good spot and we've just got to keep working."
  • A few things of note from the unofficial depth chart were reflective at the running back and wide receiver positions. Zamir White seemed to handle a majority of second-team reps with Raheem Mostert also seeing a few reps with the unit.
  • "He really has sent a message that he's the hammer," Pete Carroll said about White after practice. "I love having different styles of running backs. His physicality that we've been celebrating with him and telling him we like the way he runs. Don't try to be something that you're not. ... I think he gives us a real element, so I'm really excited about what he's done so far."
  • Jack Bech and Collin Johnson also saw a high-volume of reps Tuesday, and I expect them to be sprinkled in quite a bit during Thursday's game.

Defense

  • Patrick Graham's defense continues to be fluid, despite what the base defense appears to be on the unofficial depth chart. Depending on the package, Germaine Pratt, Jamal Adams and JT Woods have asserted themselves for potential first-team reps.
  • Chris Smith II continues to see a bigger role in the defense following the injury suffered to Lonnie Johnson Jr. However, Smith won't be the only safety asked to step up in Johnson's absence. Second-year players Trey Taylor and Thomas Harper have gotten more reps in the last two practices.
  • Devin White brought the juice with a play to get the defense hype. To start team period, Aidan O'Connell found Carter Runyon for a first down, but White came over with great recovery speed to knock the ball out of the UDFA's hands for the incompletion.
  • While most of Tyree Wilson's reps have come as the second-team edge rusher, he's also seen some reps with the first-team and also inside on pass rushing downs. Today, he had a tipped ball at the line of scrimmage.
  • "I'm counting on him to do stuff in a big way, and that's not just outside at end where he is a real natural," Carroll said. "We're moving him around, trying to see what we can do and work in complement with our other rushers. But I'm really enthused about how he's shown his effort and his concern about doing things really hard and full speed and all that."

Special Teams

  • Special teams period consisted of working on onside kick situations. Players who continue to shine in special teams coverage are linebackers Matt Jones and Amari Gainer plus running back Dylan Laube.
  • According to the unofficial depth chart, receiver Tre Tucker will handle kick and punt returns as a starter. Behind him, they're considering running backs Sincere McCormick and first-round pick Ashton Jeanty.

Quote of the day

Whenever we get the chance to suit it up, I'm ready to go. That's what I do for a living. I love to play and every chance I get to go out there and compete, I'm looking forward to it. Geno Smith

Take a look at photos of Raider Nation at Allegiant Stadium for a 2025 Training Camp mock game.

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