In the last few years, the Las Vegas Raiders haven't given their starters much, if any playing time in the preseason, with the goal being to keep the players out of harm's way and avoid them getting hurt before the regular season.
The problem with that approach is that teams can often come out flat to start the season. Granted, players get plenty of reps during training camp, but there is no simulating actual game conditions, something that can be accomplished in the preseason.
But things are about to change in Las Vegas in the first full year of head coach Antonio Pierce's tenure. When addressing the media on Tuesday, the same day the rest of team reported for training camp, Pierce revealed all healthy players will play during the exhibition slate.
#Raiders HC Antonio Pierce said he expects all healthy players to play in the preseason, which would be a significant change from how the team operated the last few seasons.
— Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) July 23, 2024
Getting the starters some reps in the preseason is especially important this year, as the Raiders are installing a new offense under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy.
Of course, barring someone winning the job before the preseason, the Raiders were always going to play their quarterbacks because of the competition taking place between Gardner Minshew and Aidan O'Connell.
Along with quarterback, the Raiders will see battles for starting jobs at left guard, right tackle and cornerback, also.
After reporting on Tuesday, the Raiders are slated to hold their first practice of training camp on Wednesday, July 24. You can check out Las Vegas' entire camp schedule right here.
