The Las Vegas Raiders have been without rookie tight end Michael Mayer since Week 15, and his season appears to be over now that the team has been eliminated from the playoffs. Despite the fact that there is only one game left in the 2023 season, the team has added tight end depth.
The Raiders have signed tight end E.J. Jenkins to the practice squad, according to a January 2 X post from KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson.
Jenkins is in his rookie season after signing as an undrafted free agent with the New York Jets. He was unable to remain on the roster past training camp and has been waiting for a chance. Jenkins, at 6-foot-7 and 243 pounds, is a large target.
He had 17 catches for 316 yards during his senior season at Georgia Tech, so he’s not much of a threat in the passing game. His size, on the other hand, makes him a potential impact blocker and red zone target. Jenkins is unlikely to participate in Week 18, but he might sign a Reserve/Futures contract with Las Vegas once the season is done, allowing him to spend the offseason on a roster.
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The Las Vegas Raiders’ offense requires a makeover.
It’s been difficult to comprehend why the Raiders haven’t been able to produce points this season, despite having so much talent on offense. The team’s scoring average of 19.1 points per game ranks fourth in the NFL.
The offense’s problems are primarily due to playcalling and quarterback performance. Both had a significant influence in Josh McDaniels’ dismissal as head coach. Bo Hardegree took over as offensive coordinator when McDaniels was fired, and he hasn’t fared any better.
According to Tashan Reed of The Athletic, the Raiders’ offense needs to be overhauled this offseason.
“Beyond quarterback, the Raiders must also find a new offensive play caller this offseason,” Reed wrote in a January 1 essay. “As interim offensive coordinator, Hardegree largely just confirmed that McDaniels’ system is something the team desperately needs to get rid of.” It’s monotonous, predictable, and ineffective.”
On offense, the Raiders have big-time playmakers like Davante Adams, Josh Jacobs, and Jakobi Meyers, so there is plenty of talent to produce a top unit. The choice of offensive coordinator and quarterback will determine whether or not the offense improves next season.
Antonio Pierce Discusses O’Connell, Aidan
This season, Aidan O’Connell was never scheduled to start. Jimmy Garoppolo was signed to start at least in 2023 and maybe in 2024. When he was benched, he played some of the worst football of his career and led the NFL in interceptions.
O’Connell has done nothing better, and the rookie fourth-round pick is unlikely to challenge for the starting job next season. Regardless, interim head coach Antonio Pierce is impressed with the rookie quarterback’s performance this season.
“It’s a growing process,” Pierce remarked during a media appearance on December 31. “With any quarterback, which is the most difficult position to play, we’ll sit there and pinpoint everything.” But, when you consider what we’re asking of him, I believe you can say he’s improved. What will happen in the future? That applies to all of us. We’ll have to wait and see what happens later.”
Since 2019, Austin Boyd has covered the Las Vegas Raiders and Los Angeles Lakers for Heavy.com. His main work at Heavy includes interviews with NFL stars Darren Waller and Joe Montana, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at “The Shop.” He is a Los Angeles native now based in Las Vegas. More information on Austin Boyd
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