Raiderstation

Rookies report to TC on July 23. All others on July 28. Below are dates open to the public.

Treydan Stukes is starting to make his move at Raiders Training Camp.

The Raiders' second-round pick got what appeared to be his most extensive work with the first-team defense yet during Practice number 12 of training camp, and where Las Vegas used him could give us a major clue about the rookie's role in 2026.

And then there's Maxx Crosby.

After sitting out the preseason opener, Crosby returned to practice and immediately wreaked havoc. Jesse Merrick had Maxx down for three would-be sacks and a pass breakup, including a dominant rep against DJ Glaze and another where he blew up a play-action boot before Kirk Cousins had much of a chance to react.

On today's Silver and Black Sports Network Podcast, we're breaking down all of the biggest developments from Practice 12 of Raiders Training Camp, including:

Treydan Stukes getting extended work with the first-team defense
Maxx Crosby's dominant day
What the Raiders' pass rush looks like with — and without — Maxx
Malik Benson making ANOTHER play of the day
Kirk Cousins and Jalen Nailor building chemistry
Fernando Mendoza dropping an absolute dime to Phillip Dorsett
Hezekiah Masses making another play in the secondary
The latest JPJ vs. Caleb Rogers battle at right guard
What we're learning about the Raiders' offensive line depth
Brock Bowers and Tonka Hemingway's absences
Dont'e Thornton Jr. taking a step toward his return

Baby Ironhead...



Excerpt from the much longer (free) article:

Fullback helping create offensive identity

Fullback Connor Heyward saw 13 snaps in the Raiders' preseason contest, and good things seemed to happen when he was on the field – whether it was paving the way for Ashton Jeanty or pass protection on a third-down conversion to Michael Mayer.

"Throw the ball, run the ball, stretch the defense horizontally and vertically," Heyward saud when asked what dimension he brings to the offense. "But that's Coach [Kubiak] and his scheme. It's not just myself, it's just the scheme and buying in honestly. You guys saw that on the first drive and you guys saw that glimpse throughout the game, but we just got to ultimately put it together."

The same could be said for Sunday's practice, as Heyward's role helps the Raiders offense stay unpredictable. He sealed a block on Maxx Crosby which led to a Kirk Cousins completion. His run blocking was also imperative in a few big gains for Jeanty and Dylan Laube.

"Pat [Gurd] and Connor are just two studs," Laube said of the team's two fullbacks. "They make the play happen. This is now my first time playing in an offense with a fullback, so it's definitely cool to have. ... They basically make the hole and I just follow."

Mendoza appears to be closing the gap.

DanKD wrote: Sun Aug 16, 2026 1:44 pm Mendoza appears to be closing the gap.

By getting no first team reps?

Raider_Dave wrote: Sun Aug 16, 2026 2:42 pm By getting no first team reps?

You can only do what you are given to do. It is what you do with that that matters. You can definitely close a gap on the second team by executing.

Atlasffa wrote: Sun Aug 16, 2026 1:13 pm Baby Ironhead...



Excerpt from the much longer (free) article:

Fullback helping create offensive identity

Fullback Connor Heyward saw 13 snaps in the Raiders' preseason contest, and good things seemed to happen when he was on the field – whether it was paving the way for Ashton Jeanty or pass protection on a third-down conversion to Michael Mayer.

"Throw the ball, run the ball, stretch the defense horizontally and vertically," Heyward saud when asked what dimension he brings to the offense. "But that's Coach [Kubiak] and his scheme. It's not just myself, it's just the scheme and buying in honestly. You guys saw that on the first drive and you guys saw that glimpse throughout the game, but we just got to ultimately put it together."

The same could be said for Sunday's practice, as Heyward's role helps the Raiders offense stay unpredictable. He sealed a block on Maxx Crosby which led to a Kirk Cousins completion. His run blocking was also imperative in a few big gains for Jeanty and Dylan Laube.

"Pat [Gurd] and Connor are just two studs," Laube said of the team's two fullbacks. "They make the play happen. This is now my first time playing in an offense with a fullback, so it's definitely cool to have. ... They basically make the hole and I just follow."

I was dying for more Baby Ironhead info. The guy is going to be a beast for us and an immediate fan favorite. I love what this kid brings (especially in a Klint offense).

They were talking up Tonka Hemingway a little before the preseason game, I didnt even see him make the stat sheet, was he playing in the first game?

Attyla wrote: Sun Aug 16, 2026 3:10 pm You can only do what you are given to do. It is what you do with that that matters. You can definitely close a gap on the second team by executing.

I’d also say that Kubiak been pretty clear from Day 1 his preference is not to start a rookie immediately.

It’s easy to interpret Mendo being with the 2’s as he’s behind, he’s not as good as Kirk yet, etc… the reality is it may have nothing to do with how Mendo looks so far.

Could just be Kubiak’s philosophy that rookie QBs should sit for a bit. Kirk may be less of a measuring stick for Mendoza and more just a viable starter that allows him to slow play the rookie.

JPJ appears to be one of those talented, moody players. He needs the staff to just believe in him and let him play. That's when he rewards you will All-Pro level ability.

Xramfan wrote: Sun Aug 16, 2026 3:36 pm

Benito Jones, signed May 13th. 1,602,500. Fully guaranteed 630,000. Released August 16th so 3 months worth of '"work" and the guy walked away making about 7,000 dollars a day. One could question if that guy was even worth a 100 dollars a day?