The Las Vegas Raiders officially announced their initial 53-man roster on Sunday evening. But the job is far from finished for John Spytek and Klint Kubiak, as they have tons of work to do in the coming days and weeks to finalize their team before Week 1's game against the Miami Dolphins.
A number of the players who were released or waived by the Raiders in the last few days won't end up on another roster, and they may come back to Las Vegas on the practice squad. The Silver and Black can also claim or sign players who didn't make other rosters around the league.
Simply put, a lot of action will be happening in the coming days, so this roster is fluid, as every other one is in the NFL at this point. To make sure that you catch everything, from live updates to analysis, BOOKMARK THIS PAGE and check back periodically throughout the weekend for the latest news.
Last updated: Monday, August 31 at 01:41 p.m. PT
- Full list of Raiders' practice squad signings
- Raiders waiver wire additions
- Former Raiders players claimed on waivers
- Live analysis of notable moves
Full list of Raiders' practice squad signings
Player | Position |
|---|---|
Cameron McGrone | LB |
Niklas Henning | G |
Brandon Cleveland | DT |
Jahfari Harvey | DE |
Roman Hemby | RB |
Devin Lafayette | SAF |
Kansei Matsuzawa | K |
Kamar Missouri | OT |
Chris Myarick | TE |
Dare Ogunbowale | RB |
Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. | TE |
Will Putnam | IOL |
Cian Slone | DE |
Gary Smith III | DT |
Deven Thompkins | WR |
Greedy Vance Jr. | NCB |
Getting Cian Slone back is a huge relief. He was the one Raiders player that fans were concerned about getting claimed, but he cleared waivers and has returned to Las Vegas. He could be a practice squad elevation.
Roman Hemby and Dare Ogunbowale both being on the practice squad feels like a bit of a heist. Either can be promoted to the active roster early in the year if Ashton Jeanty's injury drags into the regular season.
Cameron McGrone played well in the preseason finale, and with the Raiders only putting four total linebackers on the active roster, it was essential to bring at least one back on the practice squad. It's no surprise that McGrone is the first domino to fall.
Niklas Henning went from rookie minicamp invitee to a spot on the practice squad. Good for him. His transition from tackle to guard made a huge difference, and he put together a solid preseason. It remains to be seen if the Canadian national qualifies for an IPP exemption or not.
Brandon Cleveland was drafted in the seventh round this past spring, so him sticking around is good news. He had a quiet offseason, but the Raiders saw enough in him to use a selection on him and keep him around. Hopefully, he continues to improve.
Jahfari Harvey had his moments this preseason, and with a thin edge rusher room in Las Vegas, it made sense for the Raiders to bring him back. The same is true for UDFA rookie defensive tackle Gary Smith III, who flashed and could develop more by hanging around in the building.
Devin Lafayette and Greedy Vance Jr. earned their spot on this practice squad, as they made plays throughout the preseason. Deven Thompkins also felt like the wide receiver with the greatest chance of returning, as it was obvious that the coaching staff felt strongly about him.
Kansei Matsuzawa has returned after a rough preseason, but clearly, the people in the building believe he is capable of more. The same is true for tight ends Albert Okwuegbunam Jr. and Chris Myarick, neither of whom stood out in training camp or during the exhibition slate.
Will Putnam is a great get for the practice squad, as he's got game experience and versatility. Kamar Missouri shocked a lot of people this preseason and earned the extra spot at offensive tackle, beating out several players who were more highly favored.
Raiders waiver wire additions
Las Vegas claimed cornerback Darrell Luter Jr. from the San Francisco 49ers on Monday. Luter Jr. was the only claim that the Raiders' front office made, so only one corresponding move should be coming in the meantime.
Former Raiders players claimed on waivers
Player | Position |
|---|---|
None of the players that the Raiders waived on Sunday were claimed, so all of them are eligible to return to the practice squad. This includes Cian Slone, Roman Hemby, Greedy Vance Jr., Gary Smith III, EJ Williams and rookie Brandon Cleveland. Chase Roberts will revert to the IR in Las Vegas.
Live analysis of notable moves
Darrell Luter Jr.
From our piece about Luter Jr. being claimed:
"Luter Jr. is a 26-year-old cornerback with three years of NFL experience under his belt. He was a fifth-round selection by the 49ers back in 2023, which is the same year that Klint Kubiak was the passing game coordinator in San Francisco. These two have crossed paths before.
"At 6 feet and 190 pounds, Luter Jr. is a boundary corner who flashed some ability to play in the box last season. He also has extensive special teams experience, logging 421 snaps in that phase of the game across every unit other than field goal or extra point protection. That's a well-rounded player.
"After not playing much defensively in his first two seasons, Luter Jr. played a career-high 271 defensive snaps in 2025, and he logged 28 tackles, including one for a loss, as well as a pass deflection and a fumble recovery.
"He is a long, smooth and physical player with good instincts, but Luter Jr. doesn't necessarily have high-end speed for an NFL cornerback. Tackling was an issue for him earlier in his career and still is at times, but Luter Jr. has cleaned up that problem in recent seasons.
"Last year, he was targeted 16 times in 181 coverage snaps, giving up just 10 catches for 142 yards and a score. Outside of a really rough showing against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 and the Indianapolis Colts in Week 16 last year, Luter Jr. was a solid player on the outside and a good teamer."
Raiders' practice squad
Las Vegas did not add any external bodies to their practice squad, as all 17 players were with the team this offseason. Notably excluded were Shedrick Jackson, EJ Williams, Dalton Wagner, Jacob Clark, Isaiah Jatta, Treven Ma'ae and Xavian Sorey Jr.
The Raiders also have an open spot on their practice squad, as they currently have 16, and Kansei Matsuzawa carries an IPP exemption. So, look for Las Vegas to add someone else, probably whoever they cut in the corresponding move for claiming Luter Jr.
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