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Raiders sign wide receiver to replace Amari Cooper

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 3:58 PM ET

On Thursday, the Las Vegas Raiders found themselves in a tough position after the sudden retirement of wide receiver Amari Cooper.

Cooper had only been on the team for just over a week, but he was begin relied on as a veteran presence in an otherwise young receiver room. Now, the only veteran receiver on the Raiders is Jakobi Meyers, who has put out a trade request already. With Week One against the New England Patriots on the horizon, the Raiders are now scrambling to make a move.

For now, however, the Raiders will look to make an in-house promotion to shore up depth.

The Raiders have called up a receiver from the practice squad.

According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Raiders have signed wide receiver Justin Shorter from their practice squad.

The #Raiders are signing WR Justin Shorter off their practice squad, sources tell me and @RapSheet. He replaces the retired Amari Cooper on the 53. pic.twitter.com/fJHLkKhYyj

— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) September 5, 2025

Shorter spent last season with the Raiders, appearing in ten games but not recording a single catch.

Once again, it appears as though Shorter is being tasked with keeping the depth strong. Despite his imposing six-foot-four frame, there is a reason why the Raiders were experimenting with him at tight end this offseason. For the moment, Shorter has a spot, but it could just be to give the Raiders some time until they can scrounge together a more permanent solution.

Expect the Raiders to want to get a good look at how their current receiver group operates on Sunday before they make any major decisions.

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

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