Full Breakdown
Raiders Near Final Roster Decisions Ahead of Cutdown Day
8/26/2026, 2:13:50 AM
Core Event: Final Roster Cutdown Approaches
The Las Vegas Raiders must trim their roster to 53 players by Sunday at 3 p.m. ET. The squad currently stands at 89 players, with an exemption for International Pathway participant Kansei Matsuzawa. Wide receiver Noah Brown was released, and cornerback Chigozie Anusiem was placed on injured reserve after a preseason knee injury.
Background & Context
NFL rules require clubs to reduce rosters from the preseason maximum of 90 to 53 before the regular season. The Raiders entered camp under first-year head coach Klint Kubiak with a relatively young roster that relies on depth at quarterback, running back, and the secondary.
Key Position Battles
- Quarterbacks – Kirk Cousins is slated as the starter, rookie Fernando Mendoza the primary backup and Aidan O’Connell a potential trade asset.
- Running Backs – Ashton Jeanty remains the lead back, but fourth-round pick Mike Washington Jr. posted 119 rushing yards on 15 carries (7.9 yd/carry) and a 53-yard run in two preseason games.
- Wide Receivers – Malik Benson is projected as the fourth wideout, while Jack Bech and Dareke Young compete for the third-receiver slot.
- Tight Ends – Brock Bowers, Michael Mayer and Ian Thomas round out the group, with Bowers expected to produce if healthy.
- Defensive Line & Edge – Maxx Crosby, Kwity Paye and Malcolm Koonce anchor the pass rush; undrafted rookie Cian Slone has drawn attention, while Keyron Crawford provides depth.
- Secondary – Isaiah Pola-Mao battles Treydan Stukes at safety; cornerbacks Eric Stokes, Taron Johnson and Darien Porter vie for starting roles.
- Special Teams – Punt- and kick-returner slots are contested by several fringe players, influencing the final status of running backs and receivers.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Kubiak confirmed the Raiders will carry two quarterbacks, emphasizing confidence in Mendoza’s readiness while keeping O’Connell available for trade talks. Center Tyler Linderbaum highlighted Mendoza’s progress in command and operation. Defensive coordinator Leonard praised the secondary’s “sticky” coverage in the latest preseason outing but warned consistency is essential.
On-the-Ground Reports
The Las Vegas Review-Journal noted the team’s early head start on reductions, citing Brown’s release and Anusiem’s IR placement. Officials said the Matsuzawa exemption keeps the roster at 89 players, just under the 90-player ceiling before the cutdown.
Data & Statistics
- Current roster: 89 players (including one International Pathway exemption).
- NFL cutdown deadline: Sunday, 3 p.m. ET.
- Washington’s preseason production: 119 yards on 15 carries, 7.9 yd/carry, including a 53-yard rush.
- Mendoza’s preseason passing: 8-of-15 for 86 yards with an 80-yard interception return; O’Connell engineered a 96-yard drive ending in a game-winning touchdown.
Verbatim Quotes
- “When guys have success, they carve out roles, and that’s where he’s headed,” — Klint Kubiak, coach
- “Seeing the growth in his command and operation is a good starting point,” — Tyler Linderbaum
- “I thought the coverage was sticky today,” — Leonard
What’s Next
The Raiders have one preseason game remaining before the roster deadline. Coaches will use that contest to finalize depth-chart decisions, particularly at quarterback, running back and return-specialist positions, before the 3 p.m. ET cutdown on Sunday.
