This week, the new-look Las Vegas Raiders will line up against another team for the first time this offseason. In Week 1 of the preseason, young players will have the opportunity to build their case for starting roles and roster spots in a true game-like setting.
At training camp, the Raiders have seen notable progress from their rookie class and a couple of second-year players who could be in line for bigger roles this year.
Based on recent practice reports, here are five players with the most to gain in the Raiders' preseason opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Thursday.
A handful of Raiders can change the complexion of the depth chart or close the gap on starters
QB Fernando Mendoza
Last week, quarterback Kirk Cousins and edge rusher Maxx Crosby were involved in a scuffle at practice. Head coach Klint Kubiak kept them out of the following session to establish his code of conduct at camp.
In Cousins' absence, Fernando Mendoza had a slow start, but according to The Athletic's Sam Warren, he settled into a rhythm.
"Mendoza had a slow start Saturday, missing on some early passes in the end zone. But, just as he did earlier in camp, the QB turned things around quickly. Mendoza connected with tight end Michael Mayer for a scramble-drill touchdown to end a goal-line period. Then he made one of his most impressive throws of camp: an out to receiver Tre Tucker, placed perfectly, for a score."
Quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan seemed pleased with Mendoza's overall performance.
“Fernando continues to improve. He’s not repeating mistakes, which is always a good thing. It’s a long process, and we’re pleased with how he’s developing.”
Although Kirk Cousins is clearly in pole position to start Week 1, Mendoza can show he's ready to play in any given week with strong preseason performances. If Cousins struggles early in the regular season, he may be looking over his shoulder at the No. 1 overall pick warming up to take the field.
WR Malik Benson
Malik Benson has been the offensive star going back to the spring. He already has a highlight reel of catches at practices. ESPN's Ryan McFadden noted that the emerging wideout took reps with starters while Jalen Nailor and Dont'e Thornton Jr. missed practice time.
"Malik Benson was WR2 with Nailor not participating. Kubiak didn’t seem concerned with Nailor’s absence or Thornton leaving practice early."
Because of Jack Bech's quiet offseason, Benson could work his way into three-receiver sets alongside Nailor and Tucker. If his playmaking ability translates in Thursday's matchup against the Cardinals, the rookie sixth-rounder should be a near-lock to make the roster and one of the team's top four wideouts.
Keep in mind that Thornton Jr. hasn't returned to action.
G Caleb Rogers
Caleb Rogers is locked into a battle with Jackson Powers-Johnson at right guard. Over the previous week, the two have rotated reps with the first-team offense.
While some believe that Powers-Johnson is losing his grip on the lead position, it may be par for the course in competition. As Warren pointed out last week, offensive line coach Rick Dennison told reporters that the team would start to mix up personnel groupings.
"Another press conference note of significance: Rick Dennison said the Raiders won't be through their install yet for another few days. Once they're done, more movement could come within the offensive line groupings."
Nonetheless, if Rogers outshines Powers-Johnson, the Raiders may shake up the pecking order on the interior of the offensive line. Powers-Johnson has struggled with injuries, so it's also important for him to stay healthy as he battles to retain a starting job.
As a rookie last season, Rogers started at right guard in all six of his appearances while Powers-Johnson was on injured reserve with an ankle injury.
DT Tonka Hemingway
Back in the spring, Tonka Hemingway took snaps with the first-team defense, an early sign that he was on the rise under new defensive coordinator Rob Leonard.
McFadden pointed out that Hemingway made his presence felt in a recent padded practice, getting into the backfield, something he did in the second half of the previous season.
"#Raiders DT Tonka Hemingway continues to look like someone who is shaping up to be a Week 1 starter. He sacked Kirk Cousins during the red zone period."
In 2025, Hemingway flashed as a disruptor with four sacks in his last five outings. If he finds his way into the Cardinals' backfield, the second-year pro could solidify a top spot in the defensive line rotation.
Teams release preseason depth charts, which aren't necessarily reflective of prospective roles, but for what it's worth, Hemingway is listed as a lead defensive tackle alongside Adam Butler.
CB Hezekiah Masses
Hezekiah Masses is Darien Porter's top competitor for the No. 2 cornerback position.
Rookie fourth-rounder Jermod McCoy has practiced with limitations while working his way back into pre-injury form from a torn ACL. Meanwhile, Masses has consistently rotated with Porter as part of the first-team defense.
On Monday, McFadden spotted Porter and Masses on the field together, with the latter in the slot. The Raiders beat reporter also noted that Taron Johnson has practiced with the safeties. So, it's possible that he can pair with Jeremy Chinn at that position, and Masses could be a part-time nickelback.
The Raiders could take a long look at Masses on the boundary and in the nickel in game action. The rookie fifth-rounder heard criticisms about his tackling ability and responded at the podium on Monday.
"I'm trying to take their heads off. That was a big issue; they said I can't tackle, so I'm going to show them."
Slot cornerbacks are responsible for run fits, so Masses can use the upcoming matchup as a proving ground for his versatility. If he checks boxes in run support, it'll be difficult for the Raiders to keep him off the field during the regular season.
Moe Moton writes about the Raiders for Just Blog Baby. You can follow him on Twitter at @MoeMoton.
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