John Spytek and the Las Vegas Raiders' front office make so many little roster tweaks at this time of year, and really all season, that it can be hard to keep track of each one. If we're being honest, these late-stage signings rarely work out in Las Vegas, and it's the same story for every other NFL team.
But defensive end Patrick Johnson has bucked that trend this preseason, as he's looking like a real contender to make the Raiders' 53-man roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season. And he's not alone in the group of low-profile signings that may actually end up with a spot on the team or even a role.
Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi, who was a mere footnote in a recent transaction, played incredibly well during his first preseason game with the Silver and Black. It seems like he is already ascending rapidly in Las Vegas, so with a strong preseason finale, he could waltz onto the active roster.
Raiders DT Foley Fatukasi is quickly gaining favor in Las Vegas
The fact that Fatukasi could make the team just 15 days after signing is probably a minor indictment of the Raiders' defensive tackle room at this point. Regardless, he popped enough in the exhibition against the Houston Texans that the fanbase is starting to justify why he belongs in Las Vegas.
Fatukasi's counting stats were fairly mundane in 17 defensive snaps: Three total tackles, one of which was solo. But he also made a run stop and had a handful of other plays that painted him as a potential help to this Raiders defensive interior. He can also play nose, 2i/3-tech and even out to the 4-tech.
Pro Football Focus awarded Fatukasi a missed tackle on this play, when in reality, he was responsible for the tackle for loss. He smoked the center off the line of scrimmage with his quick get-off, and he re-routed the Texans' running back right into the hands of Johnson, who officially earned the TFL.
He eats up space incredibly well against the run and has the pure strength to toss offensive linemen aside at the right time and make quick tackles on ball carriers, and Fatukasi can cross an offensive lineman's face and chase down the ball. He plays with relentless effort, good athleticism and skill.
To reward him for this strong play, or perhaps to signify just how far he's come already, the Raiders reportedly rotated Fatukasi in with the first-team defense during a recent practice, according to The Athletic's Sam Warren.
Depending on how many defensive tackles Las Vegas keeps on its roster, and of course, contingent on the fact that he continues to play at this level during practice and in the preseason finale against the San Francisco 49ers, Fatukasi could narrowly make the Raiders' 53-man roster.
It definitely won't be easy, but he's now got a chance to at least sneak on, and crazier things have certainly happened.
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