Raiders Notes: Free Agent Pickups, Darren Waller Returning?

The Las Vegas Raiders have been busy this week, adding depth at several positions, including wide receiver and the defensive backfield. Also, head coach Josh McDaniels shared some insight into the situation surrounding star tight end Darren Waller. Let’s catch you up in this latest version of Raiders Notes.

The Raiders add a cornerback after losing Cre’Von LeBlanc

The cornerback position has been dealing with injuries all training camp. One positive regarding that is that it has allowed Nate Hobbs to flourish, making the most of others’ stead. Regrettably, the team’s depth took a hit with LeBlanc going down. To replace him, the Raiders picked up Nate Brooks.

Brooks has spent time with the Miami Dolphins and Baltimore Ravens since 2019, playing in four games in two seasons for both squads. His stats are nothing special with two pass deflections, 10 solo tackles, and zero tackles for a loss. Mostly a practice squad player, Brooks did play against McDaniels and the Patriots in 2019 where he had three solo tackles and a pass deflection, clearly the new Raiders head coach remembers him.

Raiders Notes: Las Vegas signs another wide receiver

In a rather strange development, the Raiders didn’t pick up a right tackle (their most obvious need); instead, they added another receiver. This time, the team’s brain trust picked up Chris Lacy. Following Jordan Veasy’s release, Lacy has been added to camp, now competing behind Dillon Stoner, Isaiah Zuber, and Tyron Johnson. In all likelihood, Lacy will be nothing more than a camp body.

Darren Waller’s status update

One notable player that’s been largely absent has been Waller. You’re hearing every kind of theory on the internet when it comes to Waller, whether it’s a holdout or injury rumors. While speaking with the media, McDaniels cleared up the situation and gave an update regarding his tight end.

“Yeah,” McDaniels said Friday while smiling when asked directly if Waller was injured, “he’s working to get back.” -Via Tashan Reed of The Athletic

It does appear Waller will be ready for Week 1, which is what really counts. He has an established rapport and chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr already. If everything coming out of Henderson is true, he won’t play in an insignificant preseason this Sunday and will be back next week. It definitely won’t hinder his 2022 season.