Preseason finale the last chance to make team for some
As the Raiders completed their exhibition season Thursday night at CenturyLink Field in Seattle, coach Jon Gruden and his staff got one last chance to evaluate players who may or may not make the 53man roster.
Pretty much anyone who was on the field against the Seattle Seahawks was competing for a job. The Raiders suited up fewer than 50 players out of 90 on the roster. Many players didn’t even make the trip.
Seattle led 14- 6 at halftime when this edition went to press.
Next up will be trimming the roster from 90 to 53 by Saturday, then determining which players if any are going on injured reserve and comprising a practice squad.
Then it’s start serious preparations to host the Denver Broncos in Week 1 at the Coliseum.
With all the practices and walk
throughs, the following questions remain unanswered. Some will be answered soon, others await actual games that count in the standings. Here are the most important ones: ARE DEREK CARR AND ANTONIO BROWN IN SYNC?
» Brown missed most of training camp. Gruden said Brown kept up via Ipad and technology, which isn’t the same as running routes and catching passes. Yes, Carr and Brown got in plenty of work in the offseason, but it’s not the same.
Brown is used to starting fast. In the past four seasons, Brown has 37 Week 1 receptions for 534 yards and four touchdowns. That’s an average of nine catches for 133 yards and a score. WHO WILL OPEN AT GUARD? » The Raiders have known since July 12 they’d be without Richie Incognito, who will begin serving a twoweek suspension Monday. They’ve known since Aug. 8 they would be without Gabe Jackson for approximately a quarter of the season and perhaps more. Jackson suffered an MCL strain in a scrimmage against the Rams.
Jordan Devey, a freeagent guard and center, got first crack at right guard, with Johnathan Cooper on the left. Cooper was signed after Denzelle Good had offseason back surgery. The two starters are expected to come from those three players. WHO WILL PROVIDE AN EDGE RUSH? » Rookie first-round draft pick Clelin Ferrell and second-year man Arden Key sat out against Seattle. So did Maxx Crosby, the rookie fourth-round pick who may or may not be able to play after breaking a hand in the first exhibition game. Key had a single sack as a rookie last season. Ferrell and Crosby are both rookies. It’s not an ideal scenario.
Josh Mauro, who hadn’t played because of a hamstring issue, saw his first action against Seattle. He’s an end who’s been listed as a first-teamer throughout camp, but his strength is defending the run. HOW WILL THE RAIDERS COVER RIGHT ENDS? » It’s been a problem seemingly forever with the Raiders. The plan is to team rookie Johnathan Abram with Karl Joseph on the back end, neither of whom measure up in stature to the likes of Travis Kelce and others. The same goes for 5- foot- 9 slot corner Lamarcus Joyner, who will most often be in the middle of the field. None played against Seattle.
Brandon Marshall, an undrafted free agent from Denver, comes with the reputation of being good in coverage. He’s coming off a knee injury, played extensively against Green Bay but sat it out against Seattle. That could be an indication the Raiders are satisfied Marshall has recovered.
It’s at least a little concerning that tight end Darren Waller looked so good during training camp against the Raiders’ defense. WHICH UNDRAFTED ROOKIES HAVE THE BEST CHANCE? » Punter A. J. Cole is a lock. Keisean Nixon didn’t suit up against Seattle, an indication he may have a spot locked up. Wide receiver Keelan Doss played against Seattle and remains a hometown favorite, having grown up in Alameda.
Incumbent Keith Smith started at fullback ahead of Alec Ingold, the undrafted free agent out of Wisconsin. Anthony Rush started against Seattle, with second-year player P. J. Hall and veteran Ethan Westbrooks also playing indicating the trio were still in competition. GLENNON OR PETERMAN? » Mike Glennon was 9 of 13 for 78 yards and led the Raiders to a field goal in the first half before giving way to Peterman. With Peterman getting most of the work, it’s likely a clue the job as Carr’s backup belongs to Glennon.
Don’t rule out Gruden keeping three quarterbacks, especially if he and GM Mike Mayock believe Peterman will clear waivers and be available for the practice squad. WHO WAS AVAILABLE VS. SEATTLE? » If you believe those who suited up against Seattle have reason to be ill at ease, some the those who were available on defense against Seattle: Defensive tackle P. J. Hall, linebacker Kyle Wilber, linebacker Jason Cabinda, cornerback Nick Nelson and safeties Erik Harris, Curtis Riley and Jordan Richards.
Wilber, who was a special teams captain, had a first half- sack of Geno Smith against the Seahawks. On offense, wide receiver Marcell Ateman and tight end Luke Wilson, Paul Butler and Brandon Barnes all suited up.