Can Dont’e Thornton Fix Raiders’ Wide Receiver Problem?

Dec 28, 2025; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. (10) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Can Dont’e Thornton Fix Raiders’ Wide Receiver Problem?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Tyler Bischoff | Last updated Oct 7, 2026 6:14 PM ET

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The Raiders have gotten very little production out of their wide receivers this season. But Dont’e Thornton is returning from injury and could provide a spark.

Las Vegas is searching for production from any wide receivers. Tre Tucker put up 119 yards in the Week 2 win over the Chargers, but that is the only time a Raiders’ wideout has topped 50 yards in a game.

But before the Raiders can expect more wide receiver production, they need to get healthy.

Jalen Nailor left last week’s loss to Kansas City with a concussion and didn’t practice on Wednesday. Jack Bech is currently on injured reserve with a fractured forearm. The talent level was always a question for the wide receivers, but now health is a bigger concern.

Thornton was placed on injured reserve before the season started with an undisclosed injury. That ruled him out for the first four games of the season. He is now eligible to return and has resumed practicing.

But counting on Thornton is taking a big risk.

Thornton’s Rookie Season

The Raiders used a fourth-round pick on Thornton in the 2025 NFL Draft. But, he rarely saw the field. As a rookie Thornton played 399 offensive snaps and only grabbed 10 passes for 135 yards. He was an afterthought in last season’s dismal offense.

Thornton spent most of training camp as the fourth-best wide receiver behind Tucker, Nailor and Bech. Even before his injury, he didn’t appear to be factoring into the offense as a second-year player. But now Thornton could get a real chance to play.

Bech is not coming back for at least the next three games. Nailor could very easily miss this weekend’s game due to his concussion. Tucker will slot in as the number one wideout, but everything behind him is up for grabs.

Cody White is the biggest competition for those snaps. He has just five catches for 64 yards this season, but has turned in three touchdowns. With Nailor leaving last week’s game early, White ended up playing the second-most snaps of any wide receiver.

White was in Seattle with Klint Kubiak last season, giving some built-in familiarity. White also plays on special teams, giving him an added layer of responsibility. Thornton won’t step into a role ahead of White automatically.

But this is the most wide open a wide receiver room could be. If Thornton is going to prove he is a capable NFL receiver, now is the time to step up.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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