LAS VEGAS
Storyline of the week
Gruden rests starters: The Raiders were one of the few teams to rest a majority of their starters all preseason long. QB Derek Carr did not play one preseason snap, while other quarterbacks such as Tom Brady, Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen all appeared in multiple games. But it’s hard to blame head coach Jon Gruden given the rash of injuries across the league in the preseason. He prefers that his team knock off rust in regular-season games. The Raiders are relatively healthy entering Week 1 against the Ravens.
Rookie watch
After an offseason injury, rookie LB Divine Deablo is healthy and ready to go for Week 1. But how much will the former Virginia Tech safety play this season? According to Gruden, Deablo is on the “fast track” to playing time due to speed and athleticism. At 6-foot-3, 226 pounds, he has the size to match up with tight ends in the passing game, but the speed to run from sideline to sideline. Don’t expect him to be a Week 1 starter, but Deablo should be on the field as a sub package player right away.
– Marcus Mosher, Raiders Wire