The Las Vegas Raiders are reeling after a brutal 31-0 shutout loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 7, dropping their record to a disappointing 2-5. The offense was anemic, mustering less than 100 yards, and the scoreline could have been even uglier had the Chiefs not eased up. With the bye week offering a chance to regroup, the Raiders are wasting no time shaking things up, announcing bold roster moves to address their struggling offensive line and special teams.
On Tuesday, the team signed offensive guard Layden Robinson and wide receiver DJ Turner to the practice squad, signaling a push to bolster key areas. To clear space, the Raiders cut offensive guard McClendon Curtis and safety JT Woods. Curtis, an undrafted free agent from 2023, recently rejoined the team but failed to secure a lasting spot. Despite early hopes that he could develop into a reliable lineman, his tenure with the Raiders has been short-lived. Similarly, Woods, a former Los Angeles Charger who was with the team during the offseason, couldn’t crack the active roster and now enters free agency.
New Faces, New Opportunities
Layden Robinson brings a fresh spark to the Raiders’ offensive line, which has been a glaring weak point this season. A former fourth-round pick by the New England Patriots in 2023, Robinson started 11 games last year before landing on Injured Reserve to start this season. Though the Patriots recently released him, the 24-year-old’s experience and youth make him a promising addition. With Las Vegas’ offensive line struggling, Robinson has a golden opportunity to climb from the practice squad to the active roster and make an impact.
DJ Turner, meanwhile, is no stranger to the Raiders’ organization. A roster on-and-off regular since 2021, Turner returns as a proven special teams contributor. While he didn’t make the initial 2024 roster, his familiarity with the team and knack for special teams play give him a chance to stick around and provide depth.
A Team in Search of Identity
Head coach Pete Carroll, known for his ability to turn teams around, faces one of his toughest challenges yet with this Raiders squad. The team’s lackluster performance has left them searching for an identity, and Carroll is pushing for a more balanced approach. Reflecting on the Chiefs loss, he noted the team’s failure to maintain the offensive-defensive synergy seen in prior weeks.
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“Last week, I liked the balance that we showed and the playing off of one another,” Carroll told reporters on Monday. “I thought that was really clear, and we went into this game knowing that we would at least have to do that to play a good, effective game. And special teams, we didn’t give the ball up on offense—those were factors that, if you do that, you’re going to get beat by these guys. And so, it’s there for us, and honestly, I just hope we get our guys back so that we can utilize those guys to make our offense whole. And without Maxx, the defense was different too. That’s just the way I see it.”
The absence of key players like star defensive end Maxx Crosby has noticeably hampered the defense, while the offense continues to struggle for consistency. Carroll’s comments underscore the urgency of getting healthy and finding a cohesive game plan.
What’s Next for the Raiders?
As the Raiders head into their bye week, these roster moves signal a willingness to shake things up and address glaring weaknesses. Robinson’s addition offers hope for a beleaguered offensive line, while Turner’s return strengthens special teams. However, the road ahead remains steep. With Carroll emphasizing balance and the return of key players, the Raiders are banking on these changes to spark a turnaround. Whether these moves translate to wins remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Las Vegas is done standing still.