The Las Vegas Raiders faced a rough Week 5, with their special teams unit taking a significant hit during a blocked punt that left star punter AJ Cole sidelined with an injury. The three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro was unable to punt for the remainder of the game, though he showed resilience by returning to hold kicks for kicker Daniel Carlson. With uncertainty surrounding Cole’s availability for Week 6, the Raiders wasted no time bolstering their roster, announcing on Tuesday that they’ve signed punter Brad Robbins to the practice squad as a precautionary move.
Robbins, a 2023 sixth-round draft pick out of Michigan by the Cincinnati Bengals, brings an intriguing resume to Las Vegas. During his college career, Robbins was a standout, boasting an impressive 45.9-yard punting average. However, his professional journey has been less steady. After a brief stint with the Bengals, where he lasted just over one season, Robbins spent the offseason with the Buffalo Bills but failed to secure a spot on their final roster. Now, the Raiders are giving the young punter a chance to prove himself in the NFL, potentially filling in for one of the league’s elite special teams players.
Replacing Cole, even temporarily, is no small task. The Raiders’ punter has been a cornerstone of their special teams dominance in recent years, consistently delivering booming punts and earning accolades as one of the best in the game. Fortunately, early reports suggest optimism about Cole’s recovery. Head coach Pete Carroll revealed that Cole is dealing with a low ankle sprain and is expected to test his kicking ability on Friday. “He’s tough about it, and we’ll see what happens,” Carroll said, hinting at a possible return for Sunday’s game. The decision not to place Cole on Injured Reserve further fuels hope that the injury won’t keep him out for long.
The Raiders’ special teams woes were glaring in Week 5, with the blocked punt that injured Cole serving as a painful reminder of their 2025 struggles. In previous seasons, Las Vegas has leaned on its special teams as a strength, but this year, the unit has been inconsistent, allowing big plays that have hurt the team’s overall performance. With an offense and defense that are still finding their rhythm, the Raiders can ill afford mistakes on special teams.
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Head coach Pete Carroll addressed the issue candidly, emphasizing the need for improvement. “We’re working really hard like we have been,” Carroll said on Monday. “Tom McMahon has been here a long time and done a good job with the club, but we haven’t changed our emphasis. The fact that big plays have happened, we got to make sure that we got guys in the right spots.” Carroll stressed the importance of consistency, particularly in punt coverage, and expressed a desire to integrate more defensive players into the special teams unit to spark a turnaround.
The Raiders’ reliance on their punter has been evident this season, as they rank tied for seventh in the NFL in punt attempts. With their offense struggling to sustain drives, Cole’s ability to flip the field has been critical. His potential absence, even for a single game, could have a significant impact. That’s where Robbins comes in. While he has yet to replicate his college success in the NFL, his addition to the practice squad provides valuable insurance and depth. If called upon, Robbins will have a chance to showcase his powerful leg and potentially carve out a role in the league.
For now, the Raiders are banking on Cole’s toughness and quick recovery. The team’s proactive move to sign Robbins shows they’re leaving nothing to chance, ensuring they’re prepared for any scenario. As Las Vegas looks to rebound from a tough Week 5, all eyes will be on Cole’s status—and whether the Raiders’ special teams can regain their swagger.