Las Vegas Raiders' biggest takeaways from 3rd padded practice of camp

Dharya Sharma

Las Vegas Raiders' biggest takeaways from 3rd padded practice of camp image

The Las Vegas Raiders held their third padded practice of training camp on Friday and the seventh practice overall. And, we are yet another day closer to Las Vegas' preseason opener in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday, August 10th. 

Friday's practice was exciting, as the offense had its best day of camp, and a 2023 starter finally came off the injury report and practiced with the team for the first time in training camp.

We bring you that and a lot more as we present our biggest takeaways from the Raiders' practice on Friday based on observations made by beat writers. 

Raiders training camp takeaways

Who didn't practice?

Offensive linemen Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson and wide receiver Jalen Guyton remain on the PUP list, while cornerback Brandon Facyson, running back Ameer Abdullah, defensive end Charles Snowden, and wide receivers Davante Adams and Tulu Griffin didn't practice.

Adams missed practice due to the birth of his child. According to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Powers-Johnson is expected to return early next week, maybe even sooner. General manager Tom Telesco hopes that Miller will be back soon. 

John Jenkins returns

The veteran defensive tackle has missed all of training camp thus far but finally returned to practice on Friday. The 35-year-old started all 17 games in 2023 and will be a pivotal player on the Raiders' defensive line this season. 

QBs impress

It has been an up-and-down training camp for Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew, but the signal-callers put together their best practice on Friday.

Both quarterbacks got their chance with the starters and orchestrated multiple touchdown drives. 

Though both signal-callers had excellent performances, O'Connell seemed to be the best offensive player on the field.

The 25-year-old was on point the entire day, throwing multiple touchdowns and barely missing a beat. According to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com, the former fourth-round pick made one of his best throws of camp during seven-on-seven drills and led a touchdown drive that ended in a Brock Bowers touchdown.

Friday's practice should generate optimism around the quarterbacks in Las Vegas, but we still need to see more days like Friday before getting too excited.. 

Two young WRs shine

With Davante Adams absent, the other wide receivers had a major opportunity to showcase their talent and skillset. On Friday, Tre Tucker and undrafted free-agent rookie Ramel Keyton took advantage of increased opportunities. 

Tucker has had a rough camp but was all over the field on Friday. The former third-round pick hauled in two touchdowns on the day, one during seven-on-seven, and the other during team drills. The 23-year-old is expected to serve as Las Vegas' WR3 this season and build off an inconsistent rookie campaign.

Former Tennessee standout Ramel Keyton had a breakout practice, scoring a touchdown during team drills and putting together the best practice of his NFL career.

With the Raiders' shaky depth at wide receiver, Keyton could find his way on the roster if he can have more days like this one.

Alexander Mattison stands out

Dylan Laube has received most of the training camp hype when it comes to the running backs, but according to Vic Tafur of the Athletic, veteran Alexander Mattison has also had a solid training camp.

The 26-year-old signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas in March and will provide adequate depth at the running back position behind Zamir White, who is expected to be the starter. 

Dylan Laube shines in more ways than one

According to Levi Edwards of Raiders.com, Laube continued to stand out as a pass-catcher, which he has done all offseason long. However, he also shined as a returner on Friday after the rookie "made a few defenders miss on a kickoff return to the house."

Dharya Sharma

Dharya Sharma Photo

A football fan who started his own website to talk about the Tennessee Titans, Dharya Sharma is an up-and-coming sports writer from Nebraska and has amassed over 1,300 followers on his Twitter talking Titans. Along with his duties on Sporting News, Dharya is the social media administrator for Locker Daily Fantasy Sports.