Raiders continue to preach competition for starting jobs, roster spots

Las Vegas Raiders coach Klint Kubiak has tried to foster an environment of competition at just about every position each week in an effort to keep his team sharp.

Comfort can lead to complacency, so Kubiak doesn’t want his players simply showing up and feeling their positions in the lineup or on the depth chart are always secure.

“When you’re fighting for playing time, there is no better motivator,” he said after Friday’s practice. “So, that’s something that we’re always doing. We’ve got a young roster, and we’ve got to see who’s going to be a big part of us moving forward.”

Perhaps nowhere is that more clear than at cornerback, where rookie Hezekiah Masses and second-year pro Darien Porter have battled to start opposite Eric Stokes pretty much every week.

Both have been in the starting lineup at various points and last week Porter started and played 43 of the 72 defensive snaps while Masses took the other 29.

It could happen again when the Raiders play the New York Jets on Sunday game at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Some players may get frustrated with the back-and-forth or struggle under the pressure of the constant competition, but Porter and Masses both believe it has elevated their games.

“I think it keeps bringing out the best in both of us and that’s good for us and the team,” Porter said. “I think we both just do a good job preparing like we’re starters and we both know we’re going to get a lot of playing time so we push each other week in and week out.

“The team is bigger than you. I know I’ll always have a role each game whether it’s on defense on special teams, so I just embrace whatever role that is to try to help the team.”

Masses said he bonded with Porter almost immediately after arriving in the building as a fifth-round pick and they have fed off each other’s energy.

“When he goes in there, I’m always hoping he makes a play and he does the same for me,” Masses said. “We’re just trying to make plays.”

They could soon have another competitor in the mix. Fourth-round pick Jermod McCoy continues to work back into shape and gain confidence after an injury that cost him a year and a half away from action.

Defensive coordinator Rob Leonard said he’s getting closer to being able to earn more reps.

“He’s doing well,” Leonard said. “He had a good week last week, and he’s right in the mix as well.”

It’s the most glaring example on defense of the constant competition for playing time, but not the only one.

Leonard said he reminded the defense this week all jobs are on the line, with the possible exception of stalwarts Maxx Crosby and Nakobe Dean.

“Everybody else is competing for the job, myself included. Every day,” Leonard said. “I want them to feel that because it’s true. There’s nothing guaranteed. I tell them, you have to put someone in a position to say, ‘How can I not play this guy? He does everything right.’ And until that happens with everybody, then the competition’s on every day.”

The same is true on the offensive side, particularly at right guard.

Jackson Powers-Johnson was the starter to open the season and missed a game due to injury with Caleb Rogers getting the nod in his place. Powers-Johnson returned, but was later replaced by Rogers in the lineup.

Now it appears rookie Trey Zuhn III is in the mix to take the job after a few strong weeks of practice.

Kubiak would only say that Zuhn “could be” in line for an expanded role.

“Trey had an injury a few weeks ago,” Kubiak said. “He’s battled back through it, getting healthy, and I just see a guy that’s working hard, a guy that is accountable, and a young man that has a bright future ahead of him, and he’s just got to keep getting better.”

Powers-Johnson is questionable with a back injury, but was able to get in a limited practice on Friday.

Defensive end Patrick Johnson did not practice all week due to a stinger and has been ruled out. Tight end Carter Runyon will not be activated from injured reserve and will not play.

Kubiak said the team had not yet made a decision on wide receiver Jack Bech, however. The wide receiver was able to practice all week as he works his way back from a broken forearm.

Sunday marks the first game he will be eligible to come off injured reserve.

Bech has expressed optimism he will play, but is listed as questionable.

Wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. is on the active roster for the first time this season, but Kubiak wouldn’t commit to him having a role.

“TBD,” Kubiak said.

Contact Adam Hill at [email protected]. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.