The Las Vegas Raiders’ thin receiver group could get a timely boost before Sunday’s Week 5 road game against the New England Patriots. Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., who has been on injured reserve since Aug. 31, indicated on social media that he is back, raising the possibility that he could begin practicing this week.
Locked On Raiders host Your Boy Q said head coach Klint Kubiak had previously described Thornton as a player the team was working toward returning to practice. Your Boy Q said the next step is finding out whether Thornton can participate fully or in a limited capacity, but any on-field work would arrive at a consequential time for the offense.
Your Boy Q calculated that Raiders wide receivers have produced only 33 of the offense’s 93 receptions through four games. Receiver Tre Tucker leads that group with 15 catches, while the offense has leaned heavily on its tight ends and backs in 12- and 13-personnel packages.
Thornton’s possible return would give Kubiak another option without forcing an immediate outside addition. Your Boy Q does not expect the Raiders to trade draft capital for a receiver, arguing that the club is more likely to stay with its roster-building plan and let internal candidates earn larger roles in practice.
The timing matters because the available depth has narrowed. Jack Bech is on injured reserve, and Your Boy Q said Jalen Nailor was unlikely to play while in concussion protocol. That leaves Thornton’s progress, along with opportunities for Malik Benson and Cody White, as developments that could reshape the rotation around Tucker.
The Raiders do not need Thornton to solve every issue immediately. They need another receiver who can stay available, add speed to the perimeter and lessen the burden on tight ends Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer. Thornton’s practice status will provide the first indication of whether that help can come from inside the building.
Las Vegas returns to the field Wednesday, when Kubiak’s update on Thornton and the receiver group should clarify how much roster flexibility the offense has before traveling to Foxborough.
Raiders News and Notes
– Your Boy Q identified New England’s protection as a potential advantage for defensive ends Maxx Crosby and Malcolm Koonce. He said the Patriots have allowed a 42% pressure rate and that quarterback Drake Maye’s mobility will require the Raiders to generate pressure without losing contain.
– Mayer’s early involvement remains a significant offset to the receiver shortage. Your Boy Q said the tight end has 20 catches and one touchdown through four games, putting him on pace to surpass his previous single-season career high of 35 receptions.
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