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One of the best and most comprehensive features we offer every year is our Footballguys Preseason Updates. Every week this month, Bob Henry, Jason Wood, Clayton Gray, and their team of Footballguys Staffers cover every player that matters from every NFL team. It's 32-plus pages of some of the most comprehensive coverage you'll find. It's probably worth the Footballguys Premium Subscription by itself.
Updates from Week 4
Preseason Updates: Quarterbacks
Starter Geno Smith played one series in the preseason finale against the Cardinals and led a long touchdown drive. He completed 2-of-3 passes for 26 yards and a touchdown. It capped off a strong offseason for Smith, who has quickly won over his teammates and impressed observers with his command of the offense. Backup Aidan O'Connell had a rough month, turning the ball over repeatedly with poor decisions in preseason games. The coaching staff also criticized him for not getting in and out of plays quickly enough. His situation worsened when he suffered a wrist injury against Arizona that will require surgery and sideline him for 6 to 8 weeks. Rookie Cam Miller is currently the third quarterback. He has had the expected ups and downs for a rookie and does not appear ready to be the primary backup. He completed 12-of-24 passes for 102 yards in the preseason finale. Expect the Raiders to aggressively pursue a veteran backup via trade or waivers.
Preseason Updates: Running Backs
Ashton Jeanty got the start but played just four snaps against Arizona, carrying twice for five yards. Zamir White then took over for the rest of the opening drive with the starters. This usage reinforced that White is locked in as the RB2, while Raheem Mostert and Sincere McCormick battle for the RB3 job. White finished with 42 yards on nine carries, and Mostert had 32 yards on nine carries. Both played exclusively in the first half. McCormick opened the second half as the lead back, followed by Dylan Laube. If McCormick loses the RB3 competition to Mostert, he could find himself on the roster bubble because Laube's special teams value makes him difficult to cut.