The Las Vegas Raiders got back to work Tuesday for their first practice since their preseason contest against the San Francisco 49ers.
Here are the top notes and quotes from practice as training camp winds down.
Ashton Jeanty ripped off another impressive run in team period Tuesday. However, behind Jeanty, who could make the 53-man roster is still up for debate. Throughout practice Raheem Mostert, Zamir White and Sincere McCormick continue to get an equal distribution of reps with the second-team offense.
"All the guys in the room come with open arms trying to help me, but that just shows who they are as players," Jeanty said of the Raiders' running backs. "That they're secure enough in what they've been doing that they're going to get outside of their self because someone else came into the building."
It's also worth noting that running backs Dylan Laube and Chris Collier have just as good of a shot to make the team, both heavily involved in special teams in kickoff return and coverage.
"The special teams contribution is really crucial for us, and we'll take that into account," Pete Carroll said. "I think that that position group is as solid as any group we've had in terms of their continued high level of play in all areas, not just running the football, but making their plays in pass protection, helping out catching and running, and then special teams is alive. So, we're going to take it into account and let it rip."
Geno Smith had another sharp day with a handful of completions to his main targets of Jakobi Meyers and Brock Bowers, who both at least had three catches in team period. There continues to be an initiative to get the ball deep down the field to Dont'e Thornton Jr.
Kyu Blu Kelly becoming a starting cornerback seems more like a reality each practice. He handled the majority of first-team reps in Tuesday with a strong showing. He had a nice pass deflection on Thornton in 1-on-1 drills and almost jumped a route in front of Meyers for an interception.
"Kyu Blu really, really made the push now, he's really come on, and he's done a really nice job," Carroll said Sunday. "Played well again yesterday, and he's aggressive and comfortable and is making things happen. He's just making it a great competition for guys."
Even with Kelly's recent production, the cornerback competition is far from being resolved. Eric Stokes, Darien Porter and Decamerion Richardson are continuing to vie for first-team reps on the outside. Darnay Holmes is also trying to cement himself a nickel cornerback.
"Corners are doing fine, and we just need more opportunities for playmaking," Carroll said. "We play a lot of zone, ball's getting inside a lot, Niners threw the football a lot, so those guys weren't able to be as involved. ... I really like the development of these guys, and they're going to get better as we move forward."
UDFAs Hudson Clark, Matt Jones and Greedy Vance saw substantial reps with the second-team. This trio is worth keeping an eye on heading into the preseason finale.
Along with the cornerback position, interior defensive line is also in the air. While Adam Butler and Thomas Booker IV handled first-team reps in base defense, Tyree Wilson and Jonah Laulu continue to be involved on pass situations. Rookie Tonka Hemingway is also making a case for a hefty role within the rotation.
"In practice, everyone's fighting for those reps, and in reality, it's open competition," Maxx Crosby said. "Booker, he's come in and, I mean, he's been flying since day one. I freaking enjoy going to war with him. Obviously, Adam Butler, Jonah, all those guys, they're young, they got fresh legs, and it's been fun to start building that chemistry up. Started back in OTAs, and now get Booker in here. We're working every day trying to get it right. It's been good."
Darien Porter and Dylan Laube continued to see reps at gunner, while Jakobi Meyers sparingly returned some kicks. Along with Meyers, tracking Ashton Jeanty's volume on special teams has been an interesting development in training camp.
"It's been pretty fun," Jeanty said of returning kicks. "I don't know how much they'll have me do it for real, but it's just another skill, another thing I have to my game that if they call me up to do it, I'll be able to rise to the occasion."
Quote of the Day
I guess people didn't think I could do it on the NFL level. I guess it was cool but I've been doing that so it's not anything crazy to me.