With one more preseason game on tap, there are a few battles that will play out for the Raiders
. Here are the five you should be watching most closely.
The Raiders have two running backs who both played well last week and who both excel on special teams. it's certainly possible both make the team, but that decision could be dependent upon how each performs Thursday night. The Raiders may be looking to them more early on this season than they otherwise would because of the injury to Ashton Jeanty
. Ok, Gentlemen, go earn your snaps.
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Jackson Powers-Johnson vs Caleb Rogers
No position has seen more consistent swapping out of first team reps than right guard
. JPJ got the start in the preseason opener but was injured for the joint practices and second preseson game in Houston. Both are healthy now and the final game day comparison can commence prior to the start of the season.
We move now to the left guard spot. This battle will likely be for a roster spot
with Spencer Burford
as the starter. Both Meredith and Mafi had uneven days in the second preseason game, including allowing a free rusher to come right between them to sack Fernando Mendoza for an 11-yard loss. Meredith would seem to have a leg up in this battle in part because of his work at center. But if the team likes rookie Trey Zuhn III as the backup center, they can remove the versatility factor from this competition.
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The battle at EDGE rusher. Koonce was given another one-year deal when the team thought Maxx Crosby
was gone in the trade that fell through. He hasn't done much with his snaps in the first two preseason game, while Johnson has dominated
. With Keyron Crawford looking like he'll need some seasoning, this is mainly a battle to be next man up behind starters Crosby and Kwity Paye
.
The Raiders drafted Stukes to be, what appeared to be, the replacement for Pola-Mao at free safety. But through most of camp, Pola-Mao's first team reps were not threatened. That was until the past week when Stukes began getting some of the first team reps as well. Stukes made some nice plays in the second preseason game, showing that he could be putting things together. It will be worth watching to see what he can put on tape in the finale.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire:
5 position battles to watch in Raiders final preseason game vs 49ers
