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.
Brandon Facyson still not at #Raiders practice. Also don’t see RB Ameer Abdullah, DE Charles Snowden, and WR Tulu Griffin.
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 2, 2024
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.
Pierce said status quo on LT Kolton Miller, who is recovering from offseason shoulder surgery. “Hopefully soon. He’s working his tail off.”
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 2, 2024
Davante Adams isn’t at #Raiders practice today. As @PGutierrezESPN reported he headed back to Vegas Wednesday for the birth of his child.
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 2, 2024
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.
John Jenkins is back out there today. As is Jacob Bobenmoyer who had been gone for the birth of his child. #Raiders
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 2, 2024
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.
Gardner Minshew gets first team reps to start practice. #Raiders
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 2, 2024
Aidan O’Connell with the first team to start team sessions. Looks like another day of switching off. #Raiders
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 2, 2024
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..
Aidan O’Connell with a really nice drive. Deep completion to Jakobi Meyers, out on left sideline to Tre Tucker, finished off with a pass to Brock Bowers at the goal line for a touchdown.
— Levi Damien (@LeviDamien) August 2, 2024
Two touchdowns in team period from each #Raiders quarterback.
— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) August 2, 2024
Drive from Aidan O’Connell ends with Brock Bowers touchdown, Gardner Minshew connected with UDFA Ramel Keyton.
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.
Fantastic catch by Trey Tucker, hugging the sideline mid end zone, off a throw by @Raiders QB Aidan O’Connell. Tucker was well covered, but showed great concentration to come up with the ball and get both feet down.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 2, 2024
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.
Ramel Keyton, an UDFA WR from Tennessee, having a really nice day today at @Raiders camp.
— Vincent Bonsignore (@VinnyBonsignore) August 2, 2024
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.
RB Alexander Mattison quietly having a very good camp. Showing off the hands today.
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) August 2, 2024
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."
