Players report to kick off season Tuesday
The Las Vegas Raiders’ veteran players are reporting to training camp Tuesday with a full-squad practice set for Wednesday to start preparations for the 2025 season.
Here some some things to watch for:
Health:
The team ended the offseason program in June largely healthy other than star defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. He is still recovering from a foot fracture he suffered last October. He was seen in a walking boot in June and new Las Vegas coach Pete Carroll said in May that Wilkins’ recovery had been “challenging.” The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported in May that the team hopes Wilkins will be ready to practice in August. He could start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
New coaching staff:
The Raiders have a new head coach for the third time in four seasons as Carroll takes over. Carroll, who turns 74 in September and who will be the oldest head coach in NFL history, is an experienced winner who is famous for his high energy and optimism. He has vowed his team, which also features new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, will be working to be competitive right away.
New faces:
There are several new players in Las Vegas this season led by new starting quarterback Geno Smith, who the team sent a third-round pick to the the Seattle Seahawks for and first-round draft pick, running back Ashton Jeanty from Boise State. Both players are reasons why the team is excited that the offensive can have a dramatic turnaround right away.
What’s next?
The Raiders have their first of three preseason games in 16 days when Carroll takes the Raiders’ to Seattle to face the Seahawks on August 7. Carroll coached the Seahawks frim 2010-23. The Raiders will have a joint practice with the San Francisco 49ers in Henderson, Nevada the following week. The 53-man rosters for all NFL teams must be set August 26 and the regular season stars for the Raiders at the New England Patriots on September 7 at 10 a.m. PT.
It all starts on Tuesday’s reporting date.
