Photo credit: Arnie Bazemore
Over the past week, it has become increasingly clear what the Raiders’ week one roster will look like.
The biggest news following last week’s preseason loss to the Cowboys was the team naming Gardner Minshew the starting quarterback for its opening game against the Chargers.
With the roster almost set, the Raiders will take the field for the final time in the preseason Friday night against the 49ers.
Big Names Missing
With most position battles being decided, Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce has decided that he is going to rest his starters for Friday night’s game. This includes both Minshew and Aidan O’Connell who will come into the season as the backup quarterback.
With the Raiders’ top two quarterbacks out, Carter Bradley and Nathan Peterman will be under center as they will each play a half.
This also means that star wide receiver Davante Adams will have no game action before the season.
Other notable players who will not be playing for the Raiders include rookie tight end Brock Bowers who only played in one game this preseason.
On the other side of the field, the 49ers are deciding to play some of their starters despite a multitude of injuries.
Quarterback Brock Purdy is likely to start the game after playing the first quarter of 49ers last contest.
Defensively, star players such as Fred Warner and Nick Bosa are also expected to have some playing time.
The 49ers will have some players missing out on Friday night’s game in Vegas. Christian McCaffery, who is dealing with a calf injury, is unlikely to play as he continues to heal. First-round pick Ricky Pearsall is also unlikely to play as he recovers from a shoulder injury.
Position Battles
With this being the Raiders’ final preseason game and the starters not playing Friday’s game will be the last opportunity for players to make an impression before cuts happen.
One of the more intriguing position battles is at running back. With Zamir White taking the starting role, Alexander Mattison at RB2 and Ameer Abdullah most likely at RB3, players are still fighting their way onto making the roster in the final running back spot.
Dylan Laube and Brittain Brown seem to be the top two choices to fill the last spot. Laube has been a standout in camp after going undrafted this past year. Brown is looking to make his second team since being drafted in 2022.
Defensively, the line will get a close look.
Last year’s first-round pick Tyree Wilson will make the team, whether or not he will start is a different question. With the emergence of Malcolm Koonce plus lining up with Maxx Crosby and Christian Wilkins, there may not be enough room for Wilson to take first-team snaps.
On the interior Nesta Jade Silveria will be playing for a roster spot as well as Noah Shannon.
Friday night will be fans’ last opportunity to see the Raiders before the games become meaningful.
