Dont’e Thornton returned to Las Vegas Raiders practice on Sunday, but he’s still not in pads as the team takes a cautious approach to his comeback.
Thornton, a notable speedster, was back at Raiders practice today, working off to the side without pads, per Sam Warren of The Athletic. Thornton’s return is significant, as he missed the preseason opener and several practices prior. Head coach Klint Kubiak said Thornton has been “banged up” but expects him back sometime this preseason.
The timing matters on all of this, if we’re being real.
Thornton is fighting for a real role in a crowded receiver room behind Tre Tucker and Jalen Nailor, and every missed rep this camp has let the competition pull ahead without him. Rookie Malik Benson has drawn praise for his downfield playmaking and has been building chemistry with rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza, while free agent addition Dareke Young has also soaked up snaps in Thornton’s absence.
Related: Brock Bowers noticeably absent from Sunday’s practice
After a modest 10-catch rookie season, Thornton doesn’t have much production banked to fall back on, and coach Kubiak has made clear the receiver competition is wide open. Missing extended time now doesn’t cost the Raiders anything on the salary cap, since Thornton is still on his rookie deal, but it could cost him snaps and a roster spot if he can’t show enough once healthy.
Expect the Raiders to bring him along carefully, easing him into full team drills before turning him loose in a preseason game rather than rushing him back onto the field.
Do you think Thornton can still climb back into the mix, or has Benson already claimed that spot?
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