Detailed view of a Las Vegas Raiders helmet during a preseason NFL game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
© Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The Las Vegas Raiders will be facing off against the Miami Dolphins in Week 1, and they're still looking to round out their roster before the game. The 53-man roster is set, but there is still some work to be done with the practice squad, as those players could be called up at any point.
In the latest practice squad move, the Raiders signed three players while releasing two others.
“We have a signed DT Tim Keenan II and TE Patrick Gurd to the practice squad. In a corresponding move, we have released DT Gary Smith and S Devin Lafayette from the practice squad,” the Raiders wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
The Rams selected Keenan in the sixth round of this year's draft, but released him after the preseason. During his collegiate career at Alabama, he recorded 95 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, three pass defenses two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 41 games.
It wouldn't be a surprise to see Keenan make an impact at some point during the season, but it may only happen if an injury occurs.
It'll be interesting to see what the Raiders look like on defense this season, and with Maxx Crosby manning the front, they should be able to get consistent pressure on the quarterback. That could make the secondary's job easy, which is good for a unit that has questions surrounding it this season.
As for the offense, Kirk Cousins will be leading that side of the ball after he was named the starting quarterback after the preseason. Many are hoping to see Fernando Mendoza this season, but it might only happen if Cousins doesn't play well.