The Las Vegas Raiders are hoping Caleb Rogers and Dont’e Thornton can return in time for Houston (August 20th), with both injuries worth watching.
Head coach Klint Kubiak said this week that offensive lineman Caleb Rogers and receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., both sidelined with injuries in recent practices, are expected to play in the Raiders’ second preseason game. However, he cautioned that not everyone dealing with a knock will suit up. It will be worth seeing who’s kept on the sidelines ahead of the season preseason game. After all, no sense in risking something serious.
These are injuries worth monitoring for the Raiders…
The update matters most up front. Rogers has been locked in a training camp battle with Jackson Powers-Johnson for the starting right guard job. Obviously, missed reps at this stage could tip that competition. Thornton, entering his second season, is one of several receivers the Raiders need to step up behind Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor, and his absence has opened the door for rookie Malik Benson, who Kubiak praised for his ability to make plays downfield and for building chemistry with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. It’s a bond Kubiak credited partly to the rookies’ shared housing and extra offseason meeting time.
Related: Klint Kubiak has a clear test for his squad beyond the scoreboard
Given Kubiak’s cautious, day-to-day tone, expect the Raiders to ease Rogers and Thornton back into full practice reps this week rather than rush them, while Benson continues to press his case for a real role in the receiver rotation regardless of who’s healthy.
Do you think Benson’s camp performance earns him a real Week 1 role even once Thornton is fully healthy?
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images