The Las Vegas Raiders seem to have ran out of ideas of how to turn things around. Las Vegas' coaching staff was revamped over the offseason, but find themselves in a situation all too familiar for the Silver and Black. The Raiders are in between a rock and a hard place.
The Raiders were expected to give rookie offensive lineman Caleb Rogers playing time, if not make him a starter, against the Cowboys on Monday. However, not only did neither of those things happen, the Raiders made Rogers inactive for the game. It was a shocking move to say the least.
Following the game, Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll explained how he came to the conclusion to start Will Putnam over Rogers and moving Jordan Meredith to guard. Carroll explained what went into the both decisions for the Raiders' coaching staff.
"First off, everything is based on competition, meaning that we got to give them a chance and show them. We look at who they're matching up against, how they handle it, from the pass rush competitions that we do, the communications, so we're looking at it,” Carroll said.
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Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll walks the sidelines against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
"Just like as we evaluate everything, so we try to mix the rotations so that we see guys against the best competition they could have. And we use all of that information, and then from there, it's subjectively, we make a decision on what we're doing.
“So, I mean, that's not any different than we've ever done in any position. We might specialize a little bit and try to make a big deal about that we're competing and everybody knows. And so, the guys are battling. And so, we try to make it kind out in the open."
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Nov 17, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith (7) throws downfield against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Following Monday night's loss, Carroll explained that Rogers' inability to get in on the field at this point of the season is not a concern to him. Considering the Raiders' need along the offensive line and Carroll's history of playing young players, this is a curious stance for Carrollto take.
"No. He's a young player trying to make it, and he's trying to do the best he can. He's been busting his tail for a long time, but he's still learning. It's because he's a draft pick that you guys are bringing this up. And we think he's going to be a good player, and it just hasn't quite got it as far as he needs to at this point. He's trying. He's busting his tail," Carroll said.
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