started · updated
Las Vegas Raiders finalize 53-man roster and practice squad
The Las Vegas Raiders have finalized their initial 53-man roster and 17-man practice squad following preseason evaluations. The roster construction reveals several key positional developments and injury statuses heading into the 2026 season.
In the quarterback room, head coach Klint Kubiak opted to keep three players: veteran Kirk Cousins, rookie Fernando Mendoza, and Aidan O’Connell. While Cousins is expected to start, Kubiak has not officially designated Mendoza as the primary backup, noting that decisions regarding the No. 2 role are ongoing.
The wide receiver position remains a significant concern for the organization. Second-year receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. has been placed on injured reserve, sidelining him for at least the first four weeks of the season. To address depth, the team signed Cody White to the practice squad and re-signed linebacker Segun Olubi to the active roster.
Regarding injuries, running back Ashton Jeanty avoided being placed on injured reserve despite a recent ankle injury, suggesting he will be available for the season opener. However, rookie edge rusher Keyron Crawford has been placed on IR with an ankle injury, effectively ending his season. The team also bolstered its running back contingency by keeping Dare Ogunbowale and Roman Hemby on the practice squad.
Entities
Ashton Jeanty · Fernando Mendoza · John Spytek · Keyron Crawford · Kirk Cousins · Klint Kubiak · Las Vegas Raiders
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Raiders roster includes three quarterbacks: Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza, and Aidan O’Connell. www.nytimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Running back Ashton Jeanty will start the season on the active roster despite a recent ankle injury. www.nytimes.com
- [● 3 SOURCES] The Las Vegas Raiders have finalized their initial 53-man roster for the 2026 NFL season. www.nytimes.com
- [● 2 SOURCES] Rookie defensive end Keyron Crawford has been placed on injured reserve for the entire season due to an ankle injury. www.nytimes.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The team expects Ashton Jeanty to return to the field within four games.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Las Vegas Raiders kept three quarterbacks on their initial 53-man roster. tmspn.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Kirk Cousins is expected to start the season opener against the Miami Dolphins on September 13.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fernando Mendoza will start his rookie season as a backup to Kirk Cousins.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Head coach Klint Kubiak has not officially declared Mendoza as the team's number two quarterback. tmspn.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Fernando Mendoza completed 25 of 45 preseason passes for 240 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The Raiders' quarterback roster includes Kirk Cousins, Fernando Mendoza, and Aidan O’Connell. tmspn.com