3 Las Vegas Raiders to watch in 2021 preseason Game No. 2 against San Francisco

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden looks on during warmups against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 13: Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden looks on during warmups against the Indianapolis Colts at Allegiant Stadium on December 13, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
2 of 3
Las Vegas Raiders
Jul 28, 2021; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders tackle Alex Leatherwood (70) is pictured during a team practice at Intermountain Healthcare Performance Center in Henderson. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports

3 Raiders to watch in 2021 preseason Game No. 2 against San Francisco

Alex Leatherwood

This summer, it has become clear that Alex Leatherwood was an excellent choice for the Raiders in the first round, as he has looked all the part of a starting right tackle. While Leatherwood has started the first two games, he did not face starting talent, a challenge he will face when the 49ers play their starting defense on Saturday.

With Nick Bosa returning to practice this week, he is likely not going to suit up, but Leatherwood will have an opportunity to face Arik Armstead and Dee Ford. Also, Leatherwood could match up against Arden Key, a former member of the Raiders who would like nothing more than to make an impact in this one.

If he remains healthy the rest of the summer, Leatherwood will be the starting right tackle for the Raiders in Week 1, and this will be a great test for him to close out the preseason. The Raiders rolled with a rookie at left tackle in Kolton Miller in 2018, and he struggled, so hopefully, Leatherwood can fare a bit better in Year 1.

Schedule