The Las Vegas Raiders open the 2024 preseason on Saturday night in Minneapolis against the Minnesota Vikings after the team just wrapped up two grueling weeks of practice in Costa Mesa, California, and are ready to take the field for the first time since January.
Though the preseason isn't as thrilling as the regular season, it's a good time for coaches and general managers to evaluate their rosters and for players fighting for roster spots and a role to showcase their talents.
With that being said, here are six Raiders who need to shine in the team's preseason opener versus the Vikings.
Raiders who need to shine in preseason Week 1
The QBs
Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew have been underwhelming in training camp, as the duo has struggled with turnovers and hasn't established a consistent rhythm.
Head coach Antonio Pierce stated on Wednesday that Saturday's game will be very telling in regards to the quarterback competition.
“This preseason game will be telling.”
— Logan Reever (@loganreever) August 7, 2024
Antonio Pierce on what it’ll take for either QB to create separation in starting battle. #Raiders pic.twitter.com/W6etqE6ump
Though training camp has been disappointing for O'Connell and Minshew, the signal-callers have a major opportunity to get back on track this weekend and create some separation in the competition.
RB Ameer Abdullah
Abdullah is entering his third season with the Raiders after the 31-year-old re-signed with Las Vegas in March on a one-year deal.
The former second-round pick has primarily been a special teams player since joining the Raiders and received just 34 touches in 2023. With the rise of rookie running back Dylan Laube, Abdullah will have to put together a solid preseason to stave off the rookie from taking his spot on the depth chart.
WR Jalen Guyton
Guyton has missed most of training camp with an undisclosed injury but is still the favorite to land the WR4 job. The former Charger has struggled with injuries over the last two seasons but is an explosive playmaker when on the field.
Saturday's preseason opener will be a good opportunity for Guyton to get back into the swing of things.
RT Thayer Munford Jr.
Munford has been the favorite to capture the right tackle spot since the departure of Jermaine Eluemunor in free agency, but the 25-year-old now has some competition in rookie DJ Glaze.
The former Maryland standout has been impressive in training camp and even got some snaps with the first-team offense. With the emergence of Glaze, Munford has to show signs of improvement or we could have another position battle brewing in Vegas.
LG Cody Whitehair
Whitehair signed a one-year deal with Las Vegas in April and is expected to be a versatile depth piece.
Due to the injury to Jackson Powers-Johnson, Whitehair has been working with the first-team offense in camp but hasn't been getting much buzz from reporters. With Powers-Johnson's return imminent, this weekend's showdown versus the Vikings could be crucial for the veteran's chances of starting.
DE Tyree Wilson
After a brutal rookie campaign, Wilson had an up-and-down training camp. The 24-year-old isn't projected to be a starter at any position on the defensive line but could still salvage a quality role unit with a solid performance in the preseason.
Wilson should see heavy playing time on Saturday and needs to take advantage of every single snap.
