Derek Carr, Davante Adams, others not in Miami with Raiders
The Raiders opted to leave a number of starters back in Las Vegas for Saturday’s exhibition game against the Dolphins, among them Derek Carr, Davante Adams, Chandler Jones, Maxx Crosby, Kolton Miller and Hunter Renfrow.
As has been the case through the first two preseason games, coach Josh McDaniels used the Dolphins matchup as a chance to assess a handful of key starting and reserve roles while also giving players competing for final roster spots a chance to make their case.
That is why some projected starters and key contributors — center Andre James, guards Lester Cotton and John Simpson, defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, safety Johnathan Abram and cornerbacks Rock Ya-Sin and Anthony Averett were in the starting lineup on Saturday.
Hankins, who returned to practice this week after missing the first three weeks while on the physically unable to perform list, is expected to start at nose tackle this year.
In all, approximately 30 Raiders stayed home in Las Vegas.
Raiders see old friend
Alec Ingold, who played three years with the Raiders and scored the first NFL touchdown at Allegiant Stadium, now plays fullback for the Dolphins.
An extremely popular player among teammates and fans during his time with the club, Ingold suffered a season-ending knee injury in Week 10 last year. He signed with the Dolphins during the offseason and is expected to be their starting fullback.
Ingold, who was on the Dolphins’ no-dress list, has been practicing throughout camp and seems completely healed from knee surgery.
Patriots week
The Raiders’ decision to keep a slew of players home in Las Vegas is also reflective of the important week upcoming in Henderson. The Patriots, who play the Raiders in the preseason finale Friday at Allegiant Stadium, are scheduled to have two joint practices with the Raiders ahead of the game.
It will give McDaniels a chance to see his first string and key backups against their counterparts with the Patriots. But rather than do it in a preseason game, in which situations unfold, both staffs get a chance to see their players in scripted situations.
Contact Vincent Bonsignore at vbonsignore@reviewjournal.com. Follow @VinnyBonsignore on Twitter.
