Training Camp Notebook 8/20: Kolton Miller back at practice, defense wows Allegiant Stadium

Aug 20, 2024 at 08:28 PM

Levi Edwards

Digital Team Reporter

The Las Vegas Raiders held their second public practice inside Allegiant Stadium on Tuesday night.

The energy was high in the crowd as the team made plays in all three phases of the game. Raider Nation will have the chance to pack out Allegiant Stadium again in three days for the preseason finale against the SanFrancisco 49ers.

As touchdowns were scored and ballhawks made plays, here are a few things that stood out from the open practice.

Notes and Observations from Day 15 of Practice

Offense

Left tackle Kolton Miller returned to the practice field after being activated off the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list earlier in the day. Miller is going into his seventh season as the team's starting left tackle, having earned an 80.2 offensive grade from Pro Football Focus in 2023.
While Jackson Powers-Johnson has been back at practice for a few days, he's now out of his red no-contact jersey. In his first physical practice since minicamp, he held his own in one-on-ones.

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Following the announcement of Gardner Minshew II being named the starting quarterback, he found a groove with Davante Adams in seven-on-sevens that carried over into team period.
Tre Tucker continued building momentum following his standout showing last Saturday against the Dallas Cowboys. In team period, Minshew found Tucker in stride on a corner route for a touchdown. The two seem to be forming an explosive tandem, connecting on two passes over 40 yards this preseason.

Defense

The play of the day for the defense came from, of course, Pro Bowl edge rusher Maxx Crosby. The Condor perfectly read a screen off the line of scrimmage, coming away with an one-handed interception. He took the ball and ran it all the way to the opposite end zone, ending in a group celebration with the defense.
The second interception of the day came from linebacker Jackson Mitchell, who was just claimed off waivers from the Carolina Panthers last Saturday. Aidan O'Connell made a good throw in the middle of the field, but the ball bounced off the chest of his intended receiver. Mitchell was in the right place at the right time to get the pick.
A third and final interception of the day was grabbed by Sam Webb, who made an incredible break on the ball near the sideline. As Alex Bachman was about to make the grab, Webb used great closing speed to snatch the ball away, prompting another group celebration from the defense.
The preseason finale is just three days away and a lot of reps tonight were given to young players vying for roster spots. Of the players who made the most of their increased snaps in team period were UDFAs Amari Gainer, Woo Governor and Ron Stone Jr.

Special Teams

Cornerback Jack Jones ran back a kickoff return for a touchdown, ending with him getting the crowd hyped in the end zone.
Along with his interception, Webb held his own on kickoff and punt coverage. Another gunner that stood out to me was rookie cornerback Decamerion Richardson.

Quote of the Day

The one thing I figured out being a quarterback in this league is it's all about winning. If you win, nothing else really matters. Gardner Minshew II

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Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Gardner Minshew II (15) passes during the preseason home game against the Dallas Cowboys at Allegiant Stadium.