In the midst of a four-game losing streak, everything about the Las Vegas Raiders is being analyzed with a fine-toothed comb. But fans should remember that it takes time to turn a franchise around, so they should not be hitting the panic button on this regime so early in this rebuild.
That doesn’t mean that changes can’t be made right now, though. While the main topic of conversation in this fanbase seems to surround the Fernando Mendoza and Kirk Cousins debate, plenty of other adjustments could spark this team. And plenty else is currently happening.
Not every bit of news about or pertaining to this team makes the headlines, but that’s where we come in. In our latest Raiders news roundup, we’ll fill in the gaps in what you may have missed in the world of the Silver and Black.
- Fallout of Dont’e Thornton Jr. activation
- Quick Hitters
- Week 7 superlatives
- Trade deadline moves already starting
Fallout of Dont’e Thornton Jr. activation
Obviously, having Thornton Jr. back on the active roster is a good thing. The young player has plenty to prove to the organization and staff, but also to the fanbase. However, what flew under the radar was this corresponding move: releasing Jonah Laulu.
Laulu has been on the team since he was claimed before the 2024 season, and he’s been an integral piece in the defensive tackle rotation, often serving as a starter and playing heavy snap shares. But he had clearly fallen out of favor this season in his hometown of Las Vegas.
It may not be over for him, as at the same time the Raiders activated Thornton Jr. and released him, they cleared a spot on the practice squad. Perhaps Laulu returns to Las Vegas in that capacity. But another tentacle of this whole situation is Jack Bech.
Bech is also returning from injury this week, at least he seems to be, and he’ll need a roster spot as well. It stands to reason that the Raiders won’t want seven wideouts on the active roster, so they could cut someone like Dareke Young and bring them back on the practice squad instead.
After all, it was WR Jamari Thrash whom the Silver and Black let go on Tuesday, so he could easily be replaced by another wideout. And there are already two defensive tackles on the practice squad in Las Vegas, so Laulu could be out of luck. It’ll be interesting to watch this all shake out.
Quick Hitters
Zay Jones signs w Cardinals
The Former Raider hasn’t exactly found stable footing since his departure from the Silver and Black, but Jones is back with the Cardinals after a two-year stint there from 2024 to 2025. This feels like the final chance he’ll get in his career if he doesn’t make something shake.
Maxx Crosby trade rumors are heating up again
Las Vegas’ star defensive end stayed above the fray through the first six weeks of the season. But the minute the Raiders’ record dipped below .500, the vultures started circling, and they think Crosby could be dealt again. And he absolutely could if this losing streak continues.
Week 7 superlatives
MVP: Tre Tucker, again
Tucker has actually been the best part of the passing attack over the last two weeks, as he caught another five passes for a game-leading 103 yards and a touchdown to continue bolstering his case for an extension.
Play of the Game: Nakobe Dean’s diving interception
Although it was inconsequential, Dean took full advantage of a dropped pass by one of the Rams’ tight ends and dove just in the nick of time to pick off a Matthew Stafford pass. Effort like this from leaders near the end of a blowout is important and sends the right message.
Lowlight of the Game: Puka Nacua’s TD catch
Early on, Nacua was gashing the Raiders’ defense, even though he was the only legitimate weapon that the defense had to keep track of. Things came to a head when Nacua ran a simple hitch route and just ran through a gaggle of Las Vegas defenders for a score.
This put the game at 21-7 and killed the vibe completely.
Rookie of the Game: Trey Zuhn III
Surprisingly, the guy who only played a handful of offensive snaps was the rookie of the game. That may sound petty, but this is truly more about highlighting Zuhn III’s strong play than ragging on the Raiders’ other rookies, all of whom struggled in some way.
Underrated POTG: DJ Glaze
Glaze continues to be rock solid for the Las Vegas offensive line. He has staved off any talk about drafting his replacement, and outside of a few missed assignments on Sunday, he drove that point home yet again against the Rams.
Trade deadline moves already starting
It remains to be seen exactly what the Silver and Black will do at the trade deadline. Just knowing what kind of general manager John Spytek is and seeing where this Raiders team is, it’s unlikely they’ll be buyers. At the very least, they won’t be big spenders.
Two big dominoes already fell on Tuesday, with the Indianapolis Colts dealing Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner. Those are two great players at two key positions of need that Spytek passed on. That said, they weren't cheap, financially or in terms of draft comp, and they may not fit the timeline.
Others could become available, though, like Josh Downs, a Colts receiver who could be effective in Klint Kubiak's offense. For the Raiders, it is all about finding a player who not only helps right now, but can be a future piece in this rebuild as well. And doesn't cost too much draft capital.
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