The Las Vegas Raiders, and every other team who's already played their last preseason game, are currently in the midst of finalizing their roster for the upcoming NFL season, with the deadline for reducing the roster to 53 players set for Tuesday , August 27, at 4 P.m. EDT.
At the time of writing this, the Raiders have yet to make any roster moves or have announced any, that is, but they are sure to make at least 37 over the next few days.
Head Coach Antonio Pierce and General Manager Tom Telesco are tasked with making critical decisions. The preseason games have provided insights into player performances, especially for those vying for the last spots on the roster or trying to secure a place on the practice squad.
Players like DJ Turner and Kristian Wilkerson have potentially secured spots due to their performances, showcasing the importance of preseason games for bubble players, with Turner scoring during the preseason and making a few huge catches.
Tyreik McAllister's performance, highlighted by an 81-yard punt return touchdown, has sparked discussions on whether such standout moments in the preseason are enough to secure a roster spot. However, the Raiders' management must weigh these performances against overall team needs and player versatility.
But, there is still one position group that is unfinished and has quite a bit of youth in the room. The one veteran that they need the most, well, the Raiders don't even know how to evaluate him.
"We've got to get Brandon [Facyson] on the field; I can't even evaluate him," Pierce said the day after their tie with the San Francisco 49ers.
Facyson went undrafted in 2018 but signed with the Los Angeles Chargers as a free agent. His rookie season saw him playing in 15 games, primarily on special teams. In 2019, he started in four games out of 16 played, showing improvement with 41 tackles.
After stints with the Chargers and a brief period with the Indianapolis Colts, Facyson returned to the Raiders in 2023. His time with the Raiders has been marked by moments like his first career interception against the Denver Broncos in 2021. However, his 2023 season was limited to just 3 games due to injury concerns.
Facyson is one of the few players in the cornerback room with any experience, and yet, he has been out for some time now. He has an undisclosed injury and has missed the entirety of the preseason. He got hurt in training camp last season and missed all year.
Given Pierce's comments on improving the cornerback position, there's an expectation of activity on the waiver wire or possibly trades to refine the roster further.
For players not making the 53-man roster, there's still a chance for the practice squad. This option keeps players within the organization, allowing further development or elevation if needed during the season. The Raiders could very well bring in a veteran player off of the waiver wire, or even a free agent, with names like Xavien Howard and others being out there and available.
Related: Raiders 53-man roster prediction after game with 49ers: Day three draft picks and UDFAs lock in spots
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