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Updates from Week 4
Quarterbacks
After a shaky start in the first week or two, Jimmy Garoppolo found his groove, dispelling any concerns about his capacity to lead the offense. “Jimmy has a mental toughness that we look for in all players that we want to bring in,” GM Dave Ziegler told reporters. “We talk about being smart, tough, dependable, being able to perform at a high level in pressure situations, and we think Jimmy embodies a lot of that; he’s embodied that through his career.” Capitalizing on strong performances in four joint practices over recent weeks, head coach Josh McDaniels felt comfortable resting Garoppolo and other starters in the final preseason game. While veteran Brian Hoyer currently sits ahead of rookie Aidan O'Connell on the depth chart, it wouldn't be surprising if the Raiders turn to O'Connell should anything happen to Garoppolo. O'Connell shook off a sluggish start to camp and excelled in the preseason, ranking among the league leaders in passer rating. As such, he's a player worth considering in Superflex dynasty leagues and one to keep an eye on as the season progresses.
Running Backs
The Raiders and Josh Jacobs reached an agreement on a one-year deal this Saturday, valued at $11.8 million. The contract includes incentives that could push Jacobs' salary to $12 million. This extra financial investment, above the $10.1 million he was set to earn under the franchise tag, underscores the Raiders' urgency to secure their star running back ahead of Week 1. Jacobs appears poised for another blockbuster fantasy season, given the heavy workload he's likely to see. “I love the player, and I love the person, and I’m excited that he’ll be back here soon,” said McDaniels. “He meant a lot to our team last year, and he’s going to mean a lot to our team this year.” While Zamir White has shown some straight-ahead power, he has nowhere near the agility of Jacobs and is a non-factor in the passing game. Ameer Abdullah, a 30-year-old journeyman, poses no real threat to Jacobs' volume of touches. White is slated to be the primary backup, and Abdullah will likely be used in select passing situations.
Wide Receivers
The Raiders have their starting wide receiver trio locked in with Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers, and Hunter Renfrow. Each is healthy and performed well in joint practices while playing minimal preseason snaps. The Raiders look set to go with a trio of undersized speedsters as the backups, with Tre Tucker, DeAndre Carter II, and Phillip Dorsett each projected to make the roster by Vic Tafur and Tashan Reed of The Athletic. Kristian Wilkerson made a solid impression during the preseason, notably hauling in ten catches for 122 yards against the Cowboys, but is likely destined for the practice squad.
Tight Ends
The tight end depth chart appears settled, with Michael Mayer, Austin Hooper, and Jesper Horsted securing the top three spots. Mayer has flashed potential as a receiving threat but has struggled significantly in the run-blocking department. Although not renowned for his blocking skills, Hooper is a more proven talent than Mayer and had a stronger showing throughout the preseason. Unless Mayer improves his blocking, it's unlikely he'll see enough field time to make a significant fantasy impact in his rookie year. It's worth noting that Mayer played against Dallas while almost all other projected key contributors sat out. This could mean he needs the extra reps for development, or it could indicate that he's further down the depth chart than initially assumed.
Defense
Top pick, defensive end Tyree Wilson, finally returned to the fold after being brought along extremely slowly in his recovery from a foot injury suffered while in college. While Wilson struggled in his pro debut, his physical traits still leaped off the screen. “We kind of had this plan in place all along,” McDaniels said. “I thought he showed up a little bit — I’ll have to see the film just to know exactly how it went — but it’s another positive step in the right direction.” Rookie cornerback Jakorian Bennett has emerged as a pleasant surprise and is poised to challenge David Long Jr. for a starting role opposite Marcus Peters. Nate Hobbs has secured the starting slot corner position. Linebacker Robert Spillane has been another pleasant surprise. “Robert has come in from Pittsburgh and been a guy who has been as advertised,” Ziegler said. “In a lot of ways, I think he's exceeded some expectations, just in terms of his ability to run the defense, his ability in pass coverage, his athleticism, some of the things that you don't always know on film until you see him on the grass and you feel it and see him moving around.”
Returners
The Raiders will rely on veteran return specialist DeAndre Carter II in 2023.
Updates from Week 3
Quarterbacks
After a rough start to camp, Jimmy Garoppolo has been much better over the past couple of weeks. With the benefit of hindsight and seeing how well Garoppolo has performed of late, it is easy to chalk up the early struggles to the long layoff and an adjustment to a new offense. Garoppolo got the start in the Week 2 matchup against the Rams and was a perfect 4-for-4 as he led a touchdown drive and then headed to the bench. Roughly half the Raiders offensive starters played at least one snap on the drive as Garoppolo completed passes to four different pass catchers. “He had a lot of time off, so it’s going to take a little bit of adjusting to get back into it and learn new guys,” wide receiver Davante Adams said. “And you can see the growth over camp. It was good to see. I am proud of him.” Las Vegas planned to have 37-year-old veteran Brian Hoyer as the backup while rookie Aidan O’Connell got a redshirt season as the No. 3. However, O’Connell has outperformed Hoyer and is on his way to earning the backup job outright. After the quick opening drive from Garoppolo, Hoyer played the remainder of the first half and struggled. He finished 12-of-22 for 144 yards and threw an ugly Pick-Six. O’Connell completed 11-of-18 passes for 163 yards and two touchdowns. O’Connell took advantage of extra eligibility in college and a wealth of experience. He turns 25 in two weeks and looks mature and polished enough to be the top backup immediately.
Running Backs
We still don’t know if and when Josh Jacobs will show up and sign his franchise tag. One possibility would be offering him a one-year deal with incentives that allows Jacobs to make more than he would earn under the franchise tag, like the contract that broke the stalemate between the Giants and Saquon Barkley. Vic Tafur of The Athletic predicts that Jacobs will be back with the team before Week 1. This view makes sense. Unlike Jonathan Taylor, who is still operating under a below-market rookie contract, the $10.1 million Jacobs is set to earn under the franchise tag is near the top of the market. There will be some risk of a holdout until Jacobs officially returns, but this feels like a situation that will be resolved sooner than later. The Raiders need Jacobs because no one else on the roster comes close to what he can do. Zamir White is a sledgehammer, but he is a limited, straight-line pounder that brings very little as a pass catcher. He gets what is blocked for him and falls forward but has yet to show much beyond that. White had ten carries for 40 yards against the Rams’ backup defense. Ameer Abdullah remains the favorite for the No. 3 spot and would likely form a committee with White should Jacobs miss any time. Las Vegas also signed a pair of Chiefs castoffs, Damien Williams and Darwin Thompson. They will compete with Abdullah for a backup role but profile more as camp bodies than guys with a real shot of making the roster.
Wide Receivers
Unsurprisingly, Davante Adams has a fan in Garoppolo. “I mean route running; he’s top of the league, top of the world,” Garoppolo said. “The guy, he’s one of one in that aspect. I haven’t been around a guy who could separate and create that much space that it was weird for me at the beginning, not gonna lie. He would create so much space that you’re like, you know, as a quarterback, don’t miss this throw because he’s so open.” After a sluggish start to camp, the Garoppolo-Adams connection has picked up steam. There is little reason to doubt that Adams will have another monster fantasy season. Jakobi Meyers will start across from Adams and is the heavy favorite to be the number two target in the offense. He caught an 18-yard pass from Garoppolo on the opening drive. Hunter Renfrow was one of the offensive standouts in joint practices against the Rams, scoring three red zone touchdowns, and remains entrenched as the third option. “Hunt’s been awesome, man. He sees the field very well. He makes it easy on me. He’s very decisive in his routes,” Garoppolo said of Renfrow. Behind the starters, rookie speedster Tre Tucker is a roster lock. He had three catches for 66 yards against the Rams but has been highly inconsistent. Through two preseason games, he has three drops and a muffed punt. As Garoppolo noted, Tucker is “nowhere near perfect,” but he has flashed plenty of potential. “He’s explosive. He’s strong,” Garoppolo said. “He’s willing to fight for that ball. And for a rookie to come in and have that, that’s rare.” Phillip Dorsett has an edge over Keenan Cole Sr. and DeAndre Carter II for the final roster spot.
Tight Ends
Tashan Reed of The Athletic believes that Michael Mayer will open the season as the starter over Austin Hooper, noting: “Mayer has missed significant time during OTAs and training camp due to undisclosed injuries and has taken his lumps as a blocker, but he’s still clearly the Raiders’ best option at tight end. Mayer’s only real competition, Hooper, is more of a complementary piece than a three-down tight end.” The Raiders have been mum about what specific injury kept Mayer out of practice for a week, but he did return for joint practices against the Rams and caught a touchdown from Garoppolo in the two-minute drill.
Defense
The defensive line dominated joint practices. After showing well against the 49ers two weeks ago, the unit got the better of the Rams this week. Leading the way, as has become the norm, was defensive end Maxx Crosby, who lived in the Rams’ backfield before getting tossed from practice due to a fight with Cam Akers. Other standouts included defensive end Isaac Rochell and the defensive tackle trio of Matthew Butler, Bilal Nichols, and John Jenkins. Las Vegas could soon get a big boost to their defensive line rotation with the return of Tyree Wilson. He was recently activated from the non-football injury list and participated in individual drills. He is being brought along slowly from his foot injury last November. “You see him asking a ton of questions and getting better,” Crosby said of Wilson. “It’s awesome to see him out there with us.”
Offensive Line
Left guard Dylan Parham's concussion has paved the way for Netane Muti to assume reps in the preseason. Muti has impressed in the run game, sparking the possibility of him keeping the job over Parham. At right guard, Alex Bars has also been losing reps to Greg Van Roten. Thayer Munford continues to compete with Jermaine Eluemunor at right tackle, but the veteran Eluemunor has the edge. Reserve right tackle Brandon Parker was placed on injured reserve, leaving Justin Herron and Dalton Wagner vying for the fourth tackle spot. Despite challenges, the Raiders' offensive line has notable power and ranks 21st overall.
Updates from Week 2
Quarterbacks
Jimmy Garoppolo carved up the 49ers’ defense, completing 12 of 18 passes and throwing a touchdown on the final day of joint practices. The 49ers put up 17 points on the three possessions Garoppolo played. The veteran looked much better against the 49ers’ defense than he has practicing against the Raiders. Meanwhile, the Raiders defense picked off the 49ers’ quarterbacks seven times during the week. While Garoppolo's interception struggles during training camp have raised concerns, it's possible to view this in an optimistic light. The Las Vegas pass defense appears to be performing exceptionally well, potentially attributing Garoppolo's interception issues more to the defense's prowess rather than a major red flag for his future performance. Rookie Aidan O’Connell has been getting third-string reps behind Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer but may push for the backup spot if he continues to show well. He completed 15-of-18 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown over three quarters in the preseason opener. “Since Day 1, Aidan has been ready to go,” wide receiver Keelan Cole said. “So, I’m not surprised at all about the performance.” Despite not possessing remarkably flashy physical skills, O’Connell demonstrates composure and a strong understanding of ball distribution. Given Garoppolo's history of health issues, there's potential for O’Connell to contribute early on.
Running Backs
Although Josh Jacobs has yet to finalize his franchise tag contract and is currently absent from the team, concerns regarding his availability for the regular season appear to be minimal. While Jacobs remains frustrated about the lack of a long-term extension, rejoining the team before the season starts to secure his $10 million is in his best interest. "I don't think anyone is like Josh in the league, Josh is one of a kind, and I can't wait to get him back," said offensive lineman Jermaine Eluemunor. Zamir “Zeus” White has stepped up as the primary running back in Jacobs' absence. "Zeus is definitely a guy,” said Eluemenor. “We're lucky to have him because he and Josh are two different guys. Josh can run you over or juke you out. Zamir is just going to run headfirst and run you over.” White got the start in the preseason opener and rushed for 43 yards and a touchdown on 13 carries, playing into the second quarter. While White is the clear No. 2, he would not step into the same role as a three-down back should Jacobs miss time because he has shown very little as a receiver. "The backs are all going to get opportunities in training camp," McDaniels said. "This is our opportunity to try to get them all a foundation in our system and see what they can do.” This week, the team added further depth to their backfield by signing 31-year-old Damien Williams, who rushed for 15 yards on four carries against the 49ers.
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams took a big hit from 49ers cornerback Charvarius Ward during the joint practices. Trainers helped him off the field and had his right leg attended to for several minutes, but the injury is reported to be minor. “I don’t think it was crazy serious,” McDaniels said of the Adams injury. The next two spots on the depth chart belong to Hunter Renfrow and Jakobi Meyers. Meyers had a big day in the first joint practice. “Jakobi’s been awesome, man,” Garoppolo said. “He had a helluva day today, too. He came ready today. He’s another one of those guys. Like I was saying about Hunter (Renfrow), you can look at his eyes and know like he’s made of the right (expletive). He’s been very impressive. Big-body guy, can go up and get the ball, can jump out of a gym. It’s been fun.”
Tight Ends
Austin Hooper and Michael Mayer continue to compete for the starting tight end spot. Both could see time on the field together, as Hooper noted in a recent interview that he signed with the Raiders because “McDaniels revolutionized the 12 personnel offense.” Mayer could not play in the preseason opener but has impressed teammates throughout the summer. Hooper compared Mayer’s ability at the top of the route to Zach Ertz and mentioned Jordan Reed as a comparison. “He's really talented, can do a lot of different things,” said Hooper of Mayer.
Defense
The defense dominated the 49ers in joint practices, especially on Day Two when Vegas notched six interceptions. Linebacker Robert Spillane managed to grab two interceptions, while linebacker Luke Masterson, safety Marcus Epps, and cornerbacks Marcus Peters and Duke Shelley each had one. “I just love what they’re doing on the back end,” defensive end Maxx Crosby said. “They’re getting confidence together, they’re growing, and it bleeds down through the whole defense. I think, obviously, it starts up front. We bring pressure, and the quarterback can’t hold the ball up.” Peters has not only been making plays but has instilled a sense of confidence and swagger among the defensive backs, a quality that’s been missing in recent years.
Returners
Despite receiving contracts from nine teams in his first eight seasons, DeAndre Carter II has emerged as a reliable return specialist. The Raiders signed him this offseason to improve their ailing return game, although rookie Tre Tucker is also pushing for a role.
Updates from Week 1
Quarterbacks
The early results for Jimmy Garoppolo have been mixed at best, according to beat writer Vincent Bonsignore of the Review-Journal. “Feels like he’s thinking too much, holding onto the ball too long, and then making unsure throws,” said Bonsignore. “When he’s struggled, it’s the result of playing too tentatively. When he cuts loose with confidence and assertiveness, he’s had dynamic moments.” There have been too many missed throws and interceptions (seven total between two recent practices) from Garoppolo. The interception numbers could have been even worse, as he got away with three dropped interceptions. At least his attitude seems to be winning over the veterans in the locker room. “He’s a dog, and I love it. And I am not just saying that because he’s my QB,” said star defensive end Maxx Crosby of Garoppolo’s trash-talking in camp. “He’s mentally tough,” running back Ameer Abdullah said. “He’s a guy that’s going to stand in there. He’s a guy who’s a leader. He’s a guy who is the same if he throws a 60-yard bomb or an interception. And I think that’s what’s really important: keeping the same energy.” Vic Tafur of The Athletic summed up the early Garoppolo struggles by saying, “Don’t sound the alarms but go ahead and locate them.” Rookie Aiden O’Connell is battling veteran Brian Hoyer for the backup job. While Bonsignore thinks Hoyer will win the backup job to start the season, he believes “somewhere down the line this season, it would be a surprise” if O’Connell didn’t win the backup job.
Running Backs
The Raiders and star running back Josh Jacobs remain at a financial impasse. Jacobs has not participated in any offseason workouts and has been absent from training camp over his continued displeasure with receiving the franchise tag. After almost agreeing on an extension near the deadline, Jacobs boarded a flight out of Las Vegas and told people close to him he “doesn’t plan to return anytime soon.” However, The Athletic’s Tashan Reed reports the team expects Jacobs to be "back in the fold before Week 1." CBS’ Josina Anderson reported, “The Raiders are open to restarting talks with Jacobs, with the hopes of getting him to rejoin the team, which still remains the goal for the organization.” The Giants’ deal with Saquon Barkley may be the blueprint to follow, giving Jacobs a one-year deal for slightly more than the franchise tag. While Jacobs will likely be in the Week 1 lineup, the possibility of the holdout dragging into the regular season is a risk worth factoring into fantasy draft plans. With Jacobs out, second-year back Zamir White and Ameer Abdullah have split first-team reps. White has been the primary ball carrier, while Abdullah has been the top option in pass-catching situations. “That guy finishes, man,” Abdullah said when asked about White. “He finishes all the way down the field almost every single time. He’s a guy who’s going to do the little things.”
Wide Receivers
Davante Adams shows no signs of decline as he enters his ninth NFL season and second with the Raiders. Adams had 100 catches for 1,516 yards in his first year in Las Vegas. But he says he is not setting specific goals for 2023 related to his stats. "As far as a goal for me is being more efficient at the top of a comeback. It's not having 1,500 yards again,” said Adams. “At the end of the day, I'm going to do enough right on the tape to where I'm going to get enough looks from the quarterback, and obviously my coaching staff, to where the numbers are going to be there as long as I'm healthy. So, for me, it's not about the numbers and trying to hit certain numbers. It's making the tape look a certain way. And with a certain amount of looks from the quarterback, we're going to be able to make the rest of that stuff happen. But the quarterback has nothing to do with the way that I come out in my comeback, or how flat I come out of an in-cut, or if I stack the guy rather than going too wide and things like that. So, those are the goals that I focus on." Jakobi Meyers is clearly second in the pecking order, showing an instant connection with Garoppolo, particularly during red zone drills. Hunter Renfrow has been the subject of trade rumors but is in line to start in the slot, with Meyers seeing more snaps outside. Rookie Tre Tucker has made noise early. “Very mature guy, very bright,” head coach Josh McDaniels said of Tucker. “He’s a very good fit relative to our group.”
Tight Ends
Rookie Michael Mayer is battling veteran Austin Hooper for the starting job, while Jesper Horsted looks to be locked into the third spot on the depth chart after O.J. Howard was cut early in camp. The early returns on Mayer have been generally positive, but he has also had some rough moments, including several losses in individual matchups against Maxx Crosby in the first padded practice. Coach McDaniels praised Mayer’s attitude after the rough practice session. “We all learn hard lessons in this league, but the hard ones are sometimes the best ones. He had a great attitude yesterday about just seeing the things that he wasn’t doing right. And that’s why we were so excited about having him here and being able to draft him. He has the right mindset, tough, no back down. Learned it’s different, you know what I mean?”
Defense
David Long and recent free agent addition Marcus Peters have been taking most of the first-team reps at outside cornerback, but rookie Jakorian Bennett has been one of the stars of camp and could beat out Long for the starting job opposite Peters. Cornerback Nate Hobbs missed the first week of camp with an eye injury. He has been able to shift back to the slot, where he seems most comfortable and is the favorite to start in nickel. Three starters are set along the defensive line, with defensive tackle Bilal Nichols and edge rushers Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby. Crosby has taken on more of a leadership role, and his energetic style gives the defense an identity. “That’s every day with Maxx,” Nichols said. “He’s that type of guy. He inspires others with his work ethic, and he’s going to bring it every day. And, as a teammate, it forces you to have to match his energy.” Linebacker depth is a concern, but the coaches are confident in Divine Deablo and Robert Spillane as the two primary starters, with Luke Masterson continuing to compete for a starting role. Defensive end Tyree Wilson is still on the non-football injury list due to a foot injury he suffered in college. It is unclear when the talented rookie will make his debut.
