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Can Foley Fatukasi go From Unsigned to Week 1 Starter?
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- Can Foley Fatukasi go From Unsigned to Week 1 Starter?
As the Raiders transition to a 3-4 base defense, there is more emphasis on the interior of the defensive line. But, Las Vegas didn't add anything significant to that position in free agency or the draft.
That gives a training camp signee a chance to make a major impact.
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The Raiders signed Foley Fatukasi on Aug. 15 , after the first preseason game and 19 days after the start of training camp. Despite the late start, Fatukasi is taking snaps with the first-team defense.
Fatukasi has played eight seasons in the NFL, appearing in 90 games and making 64 starts. He certainly has NFL experience, but he only played four games last season due to a shoulder injury.
Fatukasi was impressive in the Raiders preseason win over the Texans. He was given Pro Football Focus' third-highest grade among Raiders' defenders and the second-best run defense grade, an area the Raiders desperately need help.
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In a 3-4 defense, the Raiders will need the interior of the defensive line to make stops. The starters were pushed around by the Cardinals in the first preseason game. The second-team defense struggled against the Texans' starters in last week's matchup.
It is a very small, preseason sample. But the Raiders struggled to stop the run last season and didn't do much of anything to improve on that along the defensive line.
If Fatukasi can prove to be a solid run defender, there will be playing time available. Adam Butler and Tonka Hemingway didn't play in the last preseason game, signaling they are the starters. But neither one has been good enough to guarantee playing time.
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The Raiders' Rebuild
Jun 9, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterbacks coach Mike Sullivan (left), owner Mark Davis (center) and general manager John Spytek during minicamp at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The potential for Fatukasi to start in Week 1 highlights the time it will take for the Raiders to reach contender status. The roster is flawed. The problems are so vast it will take more than one offseason to fix.
The wide receiver room was also largely ignored this offseason, as was the right side of the offensive line. The Raiders did make significant additions at linebacker, center and in the secondary. They also took Fernando Mendoza with the first pick to be the franchise quarterback.
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The defensive line, along with a few other positions will likely be the focus of the 2027 offseason.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 25, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
