Dont’e Thornton is finally back on the Raiders’ active roster after spending seven weeks on injured reserve, but don’t think a starting spot is just waiting for him. Coach Kubiak just dropped a truth bomb: his role isn’t guaranteed, not by a long shot. After missing all of training camp, Thornton has a steep hill to climb if he wants to carve out any significant role with the offense.
The Catching Problem That Haunts The “X” Receiver Job
This isn’t some open invitation. “Well, he’s got to take the spot of another guy, so he’s got to go beat out somebody,” Kubiak stated this week. Thornton, a 6-5, 205-pounder with electrifying 4.3 speed, was once pegged as the frontrunner for the Raiders’ “X” receiver job this offseason. There wasn’t even much competition for it, meaning all he really needed to do was prove competent. But even at his towering height, that was a tough ask. Last season, he only hauled in ten catches on 30 targets. Sure, his speed gets him open and his 6-5 stature helps him tower over defenders, but actually catching the ball when it arrives? That’s been the struggle. The team desperately hoped he would show improvement in that area heading into his second season, but he hasn’t seen the field enough to offer any confidence. And let’s be real, the fact they waited through the entire 21-day window before activating him wasn’t exactly a glowing endorsement.
What He’s Up Against For Snaps
So, who’s currently holding down the fort? The depth chart kicks off with Tre Tucker, with Jalen Nailor starting across from him. Cody White and rookie Malik Benson are also seeing some snaps. Here’s the kicker though: outside of Tucker, none of this group has made themselves an invaluable part of the offense. This means if Thornton is serious about earning his way onto the field, he might not have to show off too much. The bar isn’t impossibly high: basically, just do the job and catch the ball at somewhere north of, say, 40% of the time. That could be enough to earn him a legitimate shot.
The ball is quite literally in Thornton’s hands now. Will he prove he can snag those passes and force his way onto the field, or will this second season continue to be a missed opportunity? Raiders fans will be watching every single target to see if he can finally deliver.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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