Full Breakdown
Raiders’ 2026 Preseason: Position Battles and Depth-Chart Shifts
8/27/2026, 2:04:52 AM
Core Event – Final Preseason Game Sets the Stage for Starting Roles
With one preseason contest left, the Las Vegas Raiders are finalizing starters. The matchup against the San Francisco 49ers will be the last chance for right-guard contenders Jackson Powers-Johnson and rookie Caleb Rogers, left-guard rivals Dylan Laube and Dare Ogunbowale, and edge-rusher competitors Patrick Johnson and Keyron Crawford to lock in roles before the regular season begins.
Background & Context – Recent Draft Picks and Injuries Influence Competition
Training camp blends veterans with recent draft picks. Quarterback Kirk Cousins is the presumptive starter, while rookie running back Fernando Mendoza splits first-team reps. Injuries have reshaped the line: Powers-Johnson missed two preseason games but is now healthy, and interior lineman Ashton Jeanty’s absence opened spots for Trey Zuhn III at right tackle and Rogers at guard.
Data & Statistics – Performance Metrics from Camp and Prior Season
- Powers-Johnson allowed two sacks and 10 pressures in eight games last season.
- A recent drill saw a rusher sack Mendoza for an 11-yard loss against the left-guard pair of Jordan Meredith and Atonio Mafi.
- Rookie wide receiver Benson logged five carries for 53 yards in his first preseason game and 33 yards in the second.
- Edge-rusher Keyron Crawford returned from injury and has produced “splash plays” in drills; veteran Malcolm Koonce entered camp on a one-year deal.
Official Statements & Responses – Coaching Perspective
Head coach Klint Kubiak said the competitions have raised overall performance and that the final preseason game will be “really important” for the right-guard battle. He expects both Powers-Johnson and Rogers to contribute during the regular season and noted the staff has rotated first-team reps at right guard more than any other position.
On-the-Ground Reports – Observations from Training Camp
- Quarterback – Cousins remains the starter; Mendoza sees limited first-team snaps.
- Free safety – Isaiah Pola-Mao holds the starting role; second-round pick Treydan Stukes earned first-team reps after a strong second preseason game.
- Edge rusher – Malcolm Koonce and Kwity Paye are top options; Patrick Johnson has outperformed Koonce in limited snaps, while Crawford is viewed as a developmental prospect.
- Offensive line – Powers-Johnson and Rogers duel for right guard; left-guard competition centers on Laube vs. Ogunbowale, with Spencer Burford projected as starter.
- Defensive line depth – Undrafted rookie Cian Slone has drawn attention, potentially challenging Maxx Crosby, Paye, and Koonce for depth-chart spots.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps – Unclear Outcomes for Certain Positions
Sources differ on right-guard depth: some favor Powers-Johnson’s prior experience, others cite Rogers’ consistent reps. The left-guard hierarchy beyond Burford’s expected start remains unsettled, and Crawford’s exact role after his injury return is still unclear.
What’s Next – Final Preseason Matchup and Upcoming Regular Season
The Raiders will face the 49ers in their final preseason game, the decisive audition for the right-guard battle and other contests. Afterward, they have roughly three weeks to finalize the 53-man roster and prepare for the 2026 NFL regular-season kickoff.
