Las Vegas hosts the San Francisco 49ers for a joint practice in Henderson as a kickoff to Saturday’s Week 2 preseason game. The session is framed as a chance for three Raiders to prove their cases, plus a key look at how the offense can function when pressed by SF’s front. Aidan O’Connell must rebound after Week 1’s two interceptions, with Cam Miller looming as a serious QB2 challenger. Jordan Meredith opens at center, with Jackson Powers-Johnson shifted to right guard, testing how the interior line holds up against a stout 49ers rush. Tonka Hemingway, a fourth‑round rookie, gets a prime stage to show he belongs in the defensive front. The outcomes will inform fantasy rosters and dynasty thinking as Week 2 approaches.

The joint session is a crucible for the Raiders’ QB room, the center of the offensive line, and the edge rush, with immediate implications for Week 2 and beyond. O’Connell’s performance will shape confidence in his pro floor, while Miller’s appearance could realign perceived volatility at QB2. Meredith’s handling of SF’s push could solidify the Raiders’ interior run game and pass protection, a small sample that matters for fantasy stock in a run‑heavy attack. Hemingway’s ability to win against SF’s blockers could accelerate his path to real rotational snaps, boosting IDP and dynasty value in the longer arc. In parallel, SF’s defensive pressure will test the Raiders under game-like stress and offer a clearer read on immediate Week 2 production and potential streaming options for fantasy rosters.

During the Las Vegas Raiders' training camp, Jackson Powers-Johnson was initially in line for the starting center position. However, Jordan Meredith has emerged as a competitor, taking reps with the first team while Powers-Johnson has shifted to the backups. This recent development raises questions about Powers-Johnson's standing on the depth chart and whether he can reclaim his position.

The competition at center is heating up, as Meredith's performance could determine the starting lineup. With Dylan Parham solidified at guard, the Raiders are testing their options at the center position, potentially reshaping their offensive line structure.

Chris Lindstrom established himself as the premier guard in the NFL, achieving a 93.5 overall grade and leading the league in run-blocking efficiency with a remarkable grade of 94.6. His performance underscores his importance to the Atlanta Falcons, despite a less impressive pass-blocking grade. Quinn Meinerz and Kevin Zeitler also made their mark, showcasing their abilities with solid grades in both run and pass blocking. Jordan Meredith, a rookie for the Las Vegas Raiders, emerged as a surprise talent with an 80.8 overall grade, proving crucial in protecting his quarterback while remaining unscathed in the sack department.

The ongoing evolution of offensive line play is evident with players like Lindstrom setting new benchmarks. Meanwhile, teams like the Eagles and 49ers are capitalizing on young talent like Dominick Puni, who contributed significantly in his rookie year. Overall, the 2024 NFL season has highlighted a new wave of talent among guards, with established veterans and promising newcomers alike making their presence felt.

Las Vegas Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce emphasized the importance of finishing the season strong as they prepare for a crucial Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers. With many players on the roster vying for their roles in the future, Pierce noted that the game holds significant implications for both the players and coaching staff. The Raiders, who are not fully established, face a challenging opponent in the Chargers, who have been performing well this season.

Injuries pose additional challenges for the Raiders, particularly with running back Ameer Abdullah, who recently excelled with 132 rushing yards against New Orleans, being ruled out. Guard Jordan Meredith is questionable, and cornerback Nate Hobbs, a key defensive player, missed practice due to illness. Despite these setbacks, Pierce highlighted Abdullah's contributions both on the field and in the locker room, noting his veteran experience and commitment to the game.

The Las Vegas Raiders are nearing the end of a challenging 2024 season, with only three wins to their name under the leadership of Coach Antonio Pierce. The team's performance has regressed compared to last season's promising finish, raising questions about their future strategies as they prepare for the offseason and the 2025 season.

Despite the struggles, there have been standout performances worth noting. Tight end Brock Bowers, selected in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, has emerged as a key player, boasting an impressive grade of 85.8 from Pro Football Focus (PFF). He is currently the second-highest-graded tight end in the NFL, trailing only George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers. Bowers is on track to set rookie records for tight ends, showcasing his potential as a foundational player for the Raiders.

Left tackle Kolton Miller has also been a pillar of consistency for the team, earning an 81.1 grade. He ranks as the 13th-best offensive tackle in the league, having allowed just one sack over the past 12 weeks. His stability is crucial for the team's offensive line, particularly amid inconsistent quarterback play.

Guard Jordan Meredith has emerged as a surprise asset, achieving an 80.8 grade and ranking as the seventh-highest-graded guard in the NFL. His versatility and performance, including a perfect record of no sacks allowed, highlight his rise from practice squad player to a potential long-term solution for the Raiders' offensive line.