On Aug. 17, the Raiders activated CB Trayvon Mullen Jr., DTs Johnathan Hankins, Bilal Nichols and WR Dillon Stoner from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. Alongside them, CB Rock Ya-Sin, LB Divine Deablo and TE Darren Waller also made their return to the Raiders’ practice field.
This is big news for the Raiders as Mullen Jr. and Ya-Sin are both set to be starters alongside camp sensation and rookie breakout CB Nate Hobbs. Both Hankins and Nichols are expected to battle it out for the starting DT positions.
Waller had missed some practice time with a hamstring injury, and Deablo is battling with newcomer Jayon Brown for a starting LB spot on the Raiders defense. Waller missed practice Thursday after his return on Wednesday, but there is no indication that his absence was related to his previous injury.
WR Tyron Johnson said having those guys back is huge for the team and competition.
“It is good to have them guys back, more competition for me,” Johnson said. “We’re trying to get this thing rolling, we’re trying to win games and those are some of our key players. So to have them back is very good.”
Later that day, the Raiders brought in former Jets and Texans EDGE Jordan Jenkins for a tryout and ultimately signed him to add depth to the Raider pass rush.
Jenkins has started 62 games over his six-year career. He has recorded 25 sacks, 29 tackles for loss, and 51 QB hits.
Coach McDaniels said he remembers Jenkins’ physicality and ability to set the edge through his tenure with the Jets while McDaniels was with the Patriots.
“We haven’t had any opportunity to work with him yet, but he’s demonstrated the ability to set the edge on defense,” McDaniels said. “Great guy and looking forward to having the opportunity to start with him today.”
CB Anthony Averett also made his return to the practice field on Aug. 18.
The Raiders are visiting the Dolphins in Miami for the third preseason game on Aug. 20.
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