Antonio Pierce, the normally outspoken Raiders coach, sometimes makes a big impact with just a few words.
On Saturday, when asked about two rookie cornerbacks who haven’t yet stood out, Pierce was straightforward.
“I think it’s still a work in progress,” Pierce said.
This can also be said for the Raiders’ roster as a whole. Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco are working together to trim the roster to 53 players by 4 p.m. EDT Tuesday. Like other teams, the Raiders will keep an eye on players who might become available after being cut by other teams.
“If we can get better, then we can get better,” Pierce said, keeping his answer brief.
The Raiders lost their first two preseason games and ended their exhibition schedule with a 24-24 tie against the San Francisco 49ers on Friday night. They start the regular season on September 8 against the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers and hope to prove wrong the low expectations.
Roster decisions are crucial, especially since the preseason didn’t fully address concerns about defensive depth. Last season, the Raiders ranked ninth in scoring defense, but key injuries could be problematic.
The starters also faced challenges during the preseason. The Raiders struggled against the run, allowing 136.7 yards per game and 4.5 yards per rush.
The secondary hasn’t been impressive either. Even with six starters on the field last week, third-string Cowboys quarterback Trey Lance was effective in a 27-12 Dallas win.
Las Vegas hoped to strengthen the secondary by drafting Decamerion Richardson in the fourth round from Mississippi State and M.J. Devonshire in the seventh round from Pittsburgh. Richardson did not play against the 49ers, even though the Raiders used backups.
