Raiders Still Have Hope for Dont’e Thornton

Raiders wide receiver Dont’e Thornton missed the last two games of the preseason due to injury. But he made the Raiders’ 53-man roster, an indication that Thornton will be ready for Week 1.

Thornton hasn’t practiced since Aug. 7. He appears to be behind schedule in his recovery. Head coach Klint Kubiak said that Thornton would return to play in the preseason. That didn’t happen, as the wideout missed the last two games. 

His inclusion on the initial roster is a good sign for his recovery. But even when healthy, Thornton’s ability to impact the offense is questionable. 

As a rookie last season Thornton had just 10 catches for 135 yards. Despite the Raiders trading away Jakobi Meyers midseason, Thornton never showed he could make plays at the NFL level. 

Prior to his injury in training camp, Thornton was moving down the depth chart. Rookie Malik Benson had jumped past Thornton. That left the second-year wide receiver as the fifth man in the pecking order. 

The Raiders’ wide receiver room is devoid of talent. No one has put up a 700-yard season. Kubiak called out the group after the second preseason game. 

“We have to get a lot better, very fast,” Kubiak said after the Raiders beat the Texans in the preseason. “We took a step backwards. Doesn’t mean we can’t go forward, but right now we are trying to find someone that is accountable and can help us on Sunday. Still looking.”

It is the only time Kubiak has criticized an entire position group during training camp.

That could create an opportunity for Thornton, as the teammates in front of him on the depth chart are not unbeatable. But Thornton is fifth on the depth chart for a reason. 

The Raiders elected to carry six wide receivers on their initial 53-man roster. Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Jack Bech, Benson and Thornton make up the top five. Dareke Young rounded out the group.

Young spent the last four seasons in Seattle. Last year, with Kubiak calling plays, he received just three targets, catching two for 48 yards. But Young is not on the roster to catch passes. 

Over his four-year career he has played 697 snaps on special teams, according to Football Reference. Klint Kubiak has preached the need for players on the end of the roster to contribute on special teams. Young has proven he will do that. Thornton has not. 

Last season Thornton did not play a single snap on special teams. He was a non-factor for the offense and never saw the field for special teams. 

If that continues, Thornton’s spot on the roster will be in jeopardy.