Raiders’ Week 2 Depth Chart: What Stands Out

The Las Vegas Raiders have released their depth chart ahead of a pivotal early-season AFC West matchup.

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Below is an analysis of the Raiders’ updated depth chart heading into Week 2 against the Los Angeles Chargers.

Quarterback

1. Kirk Cousins
2. Fernando Mendoza
3. Aidan O’Connell

Analysis: Cousins is undoubtedly the starter. However, it remains to be seen how explosive the offense can truly be with him under center.

Running Back

1. Ashton Jeanty
2. Mike Washington
3. Dylan Laube

Analysis: Jeanty had arguably the best game of his career on Sunday. Las Vegas plans to get him the ball in as many ways as possible moving forward. Week 1 proved that when they do, they’re tough to stop.

Fullback

1. Connor Heyward

Analysis: Heyward plays a critical role.

Tight End

1. Brock Bowers
2. Michael Mayer
3. Ian Thomas

Analysis: If Mayer and Thomas continue playing well, Las Vegas should consider giving Bowers additional time off.

Wide Receiver

1. Jalen Nailor
2. Malik Benson

Analysis: Week 1 went just how the Raiders’ brass drew it up for their receivers.

Wide Receiver

1. Tre Tucker
2. Jack Bech
3. Dareke Young

Analysis: Las Vegas just needs their receivers to keep doing what they did in Week 1.

Left Tackle

1. Kolton Miller
2. Charles Grant

Analysis: Miller looks to be back to his normal, dependable self.

Left Guard

1. Spencer Burford
2. Bryce Cabeldue

Analysis: Burford is solid, especially between Miller and Tyler Linderbaum.Cabeldue was the only change from last week’s depth chart.

Center

1. Tyler Linderbaum

Analysis: Linderbaum’s presence was extremely noticeable in Week 1. He allows the Raiders to do things they simplycouldn’t do last season.

Right Guard

1. Jackson Powers-Johnson
2. Caleb Rogers

Analysis: This may be the best version of Powers-Johnson yet, provided he stays healthy.

Right Tackle

1. DJ Glaze
2. Trey Zuhn

Analysis: Glaze looks improved from last season, but one game is not enough to confirm. He must continue playing well.

Defensive End

1. Maxx Crosby
2. Malcolm Koonce

Analysis: This is arguably the best supporting cast Crosby has played with since being drafted. His production will reflect that.

Defensive Tackle

1. Adam Butler
2. Folorunso Fatukasi
3. Thomas Booker

Analysis: This might be the single deepest position on the Raiders’ roster.

Defensive Tackle

1. Tonka Hemingway
2. Jonah Laulu
3. JJ Pegues

Analysis: Las Vegas will use all of their defensive tackles at some point, as they have a solid rotation of interior defensive linemen.

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Edge

1. Kwity Paye
2. Patrick Johnson

Analysis: Paye’s addition to the roster added to an already deep defensive line. Las Vegas has reason to be confident in its group of defensive ends and edge rushers.

Right Inside Linebacker

1. Nakobe Dean
2. Tommy Eichenberg
3. Segun Olubi

Analysis: Dean was just the player Las Vegas needed to lead this defense. The Raiders need him to stay healthy.

Left Inside Linebacker

1. Quay Walker
2. Cody Lindenberg

Analysis: Walker’s impact on Las Vegas’ defense is invaluable.

Left Cornerback

1. Eric Stokes
2. Jermod McCoy
3. Darrell Luter Jr.

Analysis: Stokes has the starting position secured. McCoy and Luter will continue to get up to speed throughout the season.

Right Cornerback

1. Darien Porter
2. Hezekiah Masses

Analysis: Expect to see more of Masses as the season continues, starting this week.

Slot Corner

1. Taron Johnson

Analysis: Johnson performed well on Sunday. However, he and the rest of Las Vegas’ secondary have a tall task ahead of them this week.

Free Safety

1. Treydan Stukes
2. Isaiah Pola-Mao

Analysis: Stukes had an impressivefirst game of his career. He registered the first interception and erased safety as a position of concern. At least for one game. He will be tested much more this Sunday.

Strong Safety

1. Jeremy Chinn
2. Dalton Johnson

Analysis: Chinn will be vital against the Chargers. Look for defensive coordinator Rob Leonard to use Chinn in multiple ways on Sunday. The veteran safety is clearly a vital part of Leonard’s defense. They should likely go ahead and ensure that remains the case moving into the future.

Kicker

1. Matt Gay

Analysis: It appears the Raiders made the right decision.

Punter/Holder

1. AJ Cole

Analysis: The Raiders would love not to punt until the fourth quarter, as they did against the Dolphins. Regardless, Cole will be ready.

Kick Returner

1. Dylan Laube
2. Dareke Young

Analysis: Laube had a significant impact on Las Vegas’ Week 1 win via special teams. If the Raiders keep getting favorable field position from solid kickoff returns, it could directly lead to a win or two that many didn’t expect before the season started.

Punt Returner

1. Malik Benson
2. Dylan Laube

Analysis: Benson averaged nearly 20 yards per punt return against the Dolphins. They are barely scratching he surface with Benson on offense and special teams.

Today’s best reads

• Raiders’ Week 1 Depth Chart Reveals Several Surprises, Opportunities
• 3 Things We Already Know About 2026 Las Vegas Raiders
• Grading Every Major Roster Decision Made by Raiders
• 5 Predictions for Raiders’ Week 1 Matchup Against Dolphins
• Raider Nation Erupts Following Convincing Win Over Dolphins

This article was originally published on www.si.com/nfl/raiders/onsi as Raiders’ Week 2 Depth Chart: What Stands Out.

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This story was originally published September 16, 2026 at 5:00 AM.