The Las Vegas Raiders wrapped up their fourth practice of training camp on Monday as the team prepares for the preseason opener on Saturday, August 10th, versus the Minnesota Vikings.
With media in attendance for practice, we bring you another takeaways article as we gather the best and most relevant information from beat writers.
Monday's practice was a continuation of last week, as the defense had its way with the offense, and the quarterback competition became even more uncertain. We also got some injury news and an update on a disappointing 2023 draft pick. We bring you this and more in our takeaways from Raiders practice on Monday.
Raiders takeaways from training camp
Who didn't practice?
Offensive linemen Kolton Miller and Jackson Powers-Johnson, wide receiver Jalen Guyton, and linebacker Darien Butler remain on the PUP list. Cornerback Brandon Facyson, wide receiver Tulu Griffin, and defensive tackle John Jenkins didn't practice.
Jenkins has yet to take the field for camp, and Griffin missed his second consecutive practice.
Defense dominates
The Raiders' defense put together another strong day of practice on Monday, as the pass rush led by Maxx Crosby overwhelmed Las Vegas' offensive line. Along with a terrific performance by the defensive line, rookie safety Trey Taylor snagged an interception during 7-vs-7 work.
Patrick Graham's unit has dominated training camp thus far and could establish itself as the identity of the team heading into Week 1.
Offensive line struggles
With two starters out with injury, Las Vegas' offensive line had a horrendous day. Right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. had a rough time blocking Maxx Crosby, per Vic Tafur of the Athletic, and quarterbacks faced constant pressure.
Full judgments of the unit can't be made until the pads come on, but James Cregg's department has a lot of work to do.
More of the same for QBs
Aidan O'Connell and Gardner Minshew have been inconsistent to start camp, and the same happened on Monday.
Neither quarterback stood out and separated themselves from the other, as Gardner Minshew took the majority of first-team reps on Monday, per Tashan Reed of the Athletic, continuing the trend of the quarterbacks rotating.
Both signal callers dealt with a ton of pressure, and neither was able to salvage plays or sustain drives.
Some love for Byron Young
Young had a disappointing rookie campaign, playing six games and registering just four tackles. With the absence of veteran John Jenkins, Young has been given an increased role at defensive tackle and has taken advantage of his opportunity.
The former Alabama standout was selected in the third round of the 2023 draft and is looking to bounce back in his second season.
Kickoff experiment continues
The NFL's new kickoff rules have caused teams to try out different players to kick off this season. For Las Vegas, Jack Jones, Tommy Eichenberg, Luke Masterson, and Phalen Sanford took turns kicking off the tee on Monday, per Anthony Bautista of The Sporting Tribune.
Jack Jones seemed to have the most success and could be a potential candidate for the position on the kickoff team.