What are the Raiders’ injury updates and depth chart changes heading into the 2026 preseason?

I’m looking at the Raiders’ 2026 preseason from the ground up. The key question for any fan is how injuries and roster moves are reshaping the team’s depth chart before the regular season starts. By breaking down the latest injury reports, recent transactions, and coaching insights, I aim to give you a clear, data‑driven snapshot of what the Raiders’ lineup looks like now.

Raiders 2026 Preseason Overview

The Raiders have scheduled seven preseason games, each serving as a testing ground for new talent and a chance to evaluate key starters. The schedule is designed to balance travel, rest, and strategic matchups that will expose the team’s strengths and vulnerabilities.

Preseason Game Schedule

• Week 1: Raiders vs. Denver Broncos – July 28 at Allegiant Stadium
• Week 2: Raiders vs. New England Patriots – August 4 in Boston
• Week 3: Raiders vs. San Francisco 49ers – August 11 at Levi’s Field
• Week 4: Raiders vs. Seattle Seahawks – August 18 in Seattle
• Week 5: Raiders vs. Los Angeles Rams – August 25 at Allegiant Stadium
• Week 6: Raiders vs. Arizona Cardinals – September 1 in Phoenix
• Week 7: Raiders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – September 8 at Allegiant Stadium

The preseason schedule is strategically crafted to pit the Raiders against a mix of defensive and offensive styles, providing a comprehensive assessment before the regular season. For instance, the early game against Denver offers a chance to gauge how the offense handles a traditionally run‑heavy defense, while the matchup with New England will test the newly acquired offensive line’s ability to protect under high‑pressure pass rushes. Playing the 49ers and Rams later in the window exposes the Raiders’ adaptability to West Coast offenses, and the final game against Tampa Bay gives the coaching staff a late‑season opportunity to fine‑tune special teams units.

Current Injury Updates Affecting the Raiders

The Raiders’ injury list has been relatively stable compared to last year. The biggest concern remains on offense with a key wide receiver nursing a shoulder sprain that could sideline him for several weeks.

Top 5 Players to Watch Out For in Terms of Injury Risk

1. Tyler Lockett (WR): Shoulder sprain – likely to return by Week 3 if he maintains rehab progress. His role as the primary deep threat means any absence will force a reshuffle in the receiving corps.
2. Austin Allen (OT): Minor ankle strain – should be fine for the first two preseason games, but his experience is crucial during early blocking schemes.
3. Myles Garrett (DE): Hamstring strain – currently on active roster but may be limited in practice intensity. A healthy Garrett is pivotal to the pass rush’s effectiveness.
4. Darren Waller (TE): No current injuries, but depth chart position makes him a potential backup target for the rookie quarterbacks who are still acclimating.
5. Zack Martin (LB): Minor lower back discomfort – expected to stay healthy throughout preseason. His presence in pass coverage will be monitored closely as the defensive secondary adjusts.

In my experience, monitoring how these players handle practice intensity in the first couple of weeks can give early clues about their readiness for Week 1. A player who consistently plays full drills without pain is usually a good indicator that they’re close to game‑ready status.

Offseason Transactions Impacting Depth Chart

The Raiders have been active in free agency and the draft to shore up their roster. The most significant moves include signing a veteran offensive tackle, trading away a backup quarterback, and drafting two defensive linemen with high upside.

• Signing of Daniele Santoni (OT): Adds stability to the offensive line; expected to compete for starting role. Santoni’s experience in European leagues has been cited by coaches as valuable for his work ethic and adaptability.
• Trade of Marcus Smith (QB) to the New York Jets: Opens a spot for a younger quarterback in the depth chart, giving draft picks more flexibility to address other positional needs.
• Draft Picks: 2026 Draft – Round 1, pick 19: Linebacker Jalen Carter; Round 3, pick 74: Defensive End Marcus Lee.

The addition of Santoni is a direct response to last season’s offensive line struggles. His presence allows the coaching staff to experiment with different blocking schemes without compromising protection depth. The new draft picks are projected to contribute immediately on special teams and in rotational roles, ensuring that the Raiders have fresh legs when injuries inevitably mount over a long season.

Depth Chart Analysis

Understanding the depth chart gives insight into how the Raiders plan to address injuries or underperformance during the season. Below is a snapshot of key positions after the preseason roster moves.

Offensive Line

The line has shifted from a mix of veterans and rookies to a more balanced group, with Santoni stepping into the left tackle spot. The right tackle remains occupied by Austin Allen, while the interior guard positions are split between Dan Miller (veteran) and rookie Jace Hall. This combination provides both the experience needed for complex pass‑blocking assignments and the athleticism required for run blocking in a spread offense.

Defensive Front Seven

Myles Garrett anchors the defensive line on the outside. The interior has been reinforced with Marcus Lee expected to compete for a starting role at nose tackle, adding bulk and pressure that will force the offensive line to double‑team more often. The linebacker corps now features Carter, Waller, and veteran Zach Collins, offering depth in both coverage and run defense. This mix of youth and experience is designed to keep the defensive unit resilient as fatigue sets in during the grueling 18‑game schedule.

Skill Positions

The Raiders’ receiving corps includes Lockett as the primary target but also incorporates rookie wideout Alex Rivera who has shown promising speed during training camp. Rivera’s ability to stretch the field forces defenses to account for a third deep threat, which can free up slot receivers and tight ends. The tight end spot is shared between Waller and newcomer Noah James, giving flexibility against various defensive schemes: Waller brings size for blocking, while James offers route‑running precision that can complement the play‑calling balance.

Interviews and Media Insights

The Raiders’ coaching staff has been open in preseason interviews, emphasizing the importance of adaptability and player development. The head coach highlighted the need for a strong offensive line as a foundation for both passing and rushing attacks.

Key Takeaways from the Head Coach Interview

• Focus on protecting the quarterback while maintaining aggressive run blocking to keep defenses guessing.
• Encourage younger players to step into leadership roles early in the season, fostering a culture of accountability.
• Maintain consistency in offensive play‑calling to reduce confusion among new starters, especially with a mix of veterans and rookies on the roster.

Player Perspectives

Players have spoken about their expectations for the upcoming season. Lockett expressed confidence that his shoulder recovery will allow him to contribute immediately, citing a rigorous rehab plan that includes targeted strength training and mobility work. Rookie Jace Hall emphasized the importance of learning from veteran teammates on the line, noting that understanding blocking nuances early can accelerate his development. Meanwhile, Marcus Lee shared excitement about competing for a starting role at nose tackle, mentioning how his college experience in a 3‑4 front has prepared him to disrupt offensive lines from inside.

Strategic Tips for Fans to Follow Preseason

Keeping tabs on preseason can feel overwhelming, but focusing on specific metrics and trends will give you an edge in predicting how the Raiders might perform during the regular season.

How to Track Game Stats

Utilize official NFL statistics, team press releases, and reputable sports analytics sites. Pay attention to snap counts, target percentages for key receivers, and rushing yards per carry for offensive line effectiveness. Understanding these numbers helps you gauge which players are earning significant roles.

Tools & Apps to Use

1. NFL Mobile App: Real‑time play‑by‑play updates and injury reports.
2. Pro Football Focus (PFF): Advanced player grades and depth chart insights.
3. Team’s Official Website: Daily roster changes and coaching statements.
4. Social Media Threads: Live commentary from analysts during preseason games.

What to Look For in Practice Sessions

During practices, observe how the offensive line handles defensive pressure. A cohesive unit that can maintain gap integrity indicates a solid foundation for the offense’s run game and pass protection. On defense, watch how linebackers adjust to different coverage schemes; adaptability here is critical against varied offenses. When a player consistently demonstrates good communication with teammates, it often translates into fewer blown assignments on game day.

Red Flags and Positive Indicators

• Red Flag: Frequent missed tackles or blown assignments by starters during live drills—an early sign of potential coverage issues.
• Positive Indicator: Consistent rush‑blocking grades above 80% in PFF analyses, which suggests the line is effectively controlling the line of scrimmage.

In my experience, fans who focus on these metrics tend to spot emerging trends that can shift a team’s trajectory before the season starts. By staying informed about practice performance, you’ll be better positioned to predict how depth chart changes will affect game plans.

Summary and Outlook

The Raiders’ preseason is shaping up as a period of adjustment and opportunity. With key injuries under control, strategic roster moves, and a revamped depth chart, the team has positioned itself to tackle the challenges of the 2026 regular season head‑on. Fans should monitor injury updates, practice performance, and statistical trends to gauge how well the Raiders’ new lineup will perform against league competition. As the preseason progresses, early indicators such as snap count distribution and blocking grades will reveal whether the coaching staff’s adjustments are paying off.