Five things that stood out with the Oakland Raiders initial 53-man roster
By Brad Weiss
Pineiro and Warren to IR
Early in the summer, University of Florida rookie kicker Eddy Pineiro beat out veteran Giorgio Tavecchio, essentially winning the Raiders starting kicker job. However, he suffered a groin injury during the preseason, and the team had to turn to Mike Nugent to do the kicking duties the rest of the way.
Another undrafted rookie who stood out this summer was Chris Warren III, who led the Raiders in rushing yards throughout the preseason. He stood to be a lock to make the team until it was announced on Saturday that he had a knee injury, and had to be put on the injured reserve along with Pineiro.
Because they never were on the 53-man roster, they are not eligible to return this season, so this basically a stash move by the organization. Both players should have a role with the team next season, but for those hoping to see these two exciting rookies perform in the regular season, they are going to have to wait for the 2019 campaign.