Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak addressed two roster questions at Friday’s presser with Week 2 of the preseason quickly coming his way.
Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. has been dealing with a minor injury but is expected back on the field, with Kubiak saying the rookie should see preseason action “at some point here.” Meanwhile, cornerback Decamerion Richardson’s absence from Wednesday’s practice wasn’t injury-related. Kubiak revealed Richardson missed the session because he and his family welcomed a new baby.
Given how concerning the cornerback group looked against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday, it’s unclear whether Richardson’s presence would’ve made a difference. Still, you want everyone healthy coming out of preseason so at least it’s not a health concern.
For the Raiders, these updates matter in different ways. Thornton, a rookie receiver Las Vegas is counting on to add depth and playmaking to a thin receiver room, needs preseason reps to build chemistry with the quarterbacks and prove he belongs in the rotation before roster cuts. Any missed practice time is notable this time of year, when every rep counts toward final 53-man decisions. Richardson’s situation is a non-issue on the injury front. Nonetheless, the secondary can’t afford extended absences as the coaching staff evaluates cornerback depth behind the starters.
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Expect Thornton to ease back into practice this week before getting an extended run in the next preseason game. Oppositely, Richardson should rejoin the group shortly now that his excused absence has passed.
Raiders fans, how eager are you to see Thornton receive more extended snaps during the preseason once he returns?
*Top Photo: Ethan Miller/Getty Images