Five Oakland Raiders on the roster fringe
By Austin Gayle
Dec 7, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Stevie Johnson (13) is unable to control the pass against Oakland Raiders defensive back Chimdi Chekwa (35) during the second quarter at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Chimdi Chekwa
Former 2011 fourth-round pick Chimdi Chekwa was signed by the Oakland Raiders after being released by the New England Patriots earlier this offseason, but his return to Oakland may be shorter than he expected.
According to ESPN Staff Writer Bill Williamson, 2014 draft selections T.J. Carrie and Keith McGill have been earning first team reps early in the offseason, as McGill has been performing in wake of projected starter D.J. Hayden’s injury.
Veteran defensive back Taiwan Jones has also returned from a foot injury that resulted in him missing the entire 2014 season, and he should have a roster spot reserved, for he is an excellent special teams player.
Former Auburn cornerback Neiko Thorpe has also impressed throughout camp, and as he continues to work with the first and second team, Chekwa’s chances to make the roster continue to disappear.
The veteran cornerback has had a relatively unproductive four-year career in the NFL, as he has 51 combined tackles and no interceptions in 32 games.
Unless he can make some magic happen during training camp and the preseason, the Raiders should part ways with Chekwa.
Next: Fringe Players: Brian Leonhardt