Dont'e Thornton could be losing his grip on a role, or even a roster spot, with the Raiders.
The Raiders have one of the worst receiver rooms in the NFL and did very little to improve it this offseason. Las Vegas signed Jalen Nailor to a three-year deal that gave him the 41st-highest average salary among wide receivers. The Raiders also used a sixth-round pick on Malik Benson. But there was no big free-agent signing or high draft pick added to the group.
Despite that, Thornton has slipped down the depth chart. There are a number of factors working against the second-year receiver.
Injury Looming
Part of Thornton's immediate problem is his health. He has missed four straight practices and is in danger of missing the preseason opener on Thursday.
When asked about the availability of Thornton and other injured players, head coach Klint Kubiak said: "Most of those guys we expect to play in this game, not all of them will."
The Raiders only have three preseason games, leaving Thornton with limited chances to impress. Missing the first preseason game after four straight practices keeps his chances dwindling.
Rising Rookie
© Craig Strobeck-Imagn Images
Even though he was selected in the sixth round, Malik Benson has impressed in training camp. At this point, he is likely ahead of Thornton in the receiver pecking order.
Both players are listed as backups, but Benson has created a connection with Fernando Mendoza, something Thornton would need to do to be a part of the future.
With Benson's ascension, Thornton is being pushed to the edge of the roster. While Nailor and Tre Tucker are locked in as the top two wide receivers, and Benson is battling Jack Bech for the third spot, Thornton has a tenuous hold on a roster spot.
If the Raiders only carry five wide receivers, Thornton is in the final spot. Carrying a sixth wideout would put Thornton in a safer spot. But the Raiders plan to carry a fullback, and with Kubiak's penchant for using three tight ends, could take an extra spot away from the wide receiver room.
Special Teams Non-Factor
Kubiak has stressed that one of the most important facets of the game for second-stringers is the ability to play special teams. Last year, Thornton didn't play a single snap on special teams.
Bech played 131 special teams snaps last season. Benson was used as a return man in practice on Tuesday. The Raiders are going to want their wide receivers to be useful on special teams.
Thornton hasn't shown that is part of his game.
