The Las Vegas Raiders are heading into arguably the game of the week across the NFL. It will merely be a preseason game, but Pete Carroll will be returning to Seattle to coach at Lumen Field for the first time since things fell apart up north.
The purpose of the game will be to test the roster primarily, but all eyes will be on Carroll to see how he handles the moment.
It is also expected to be Geno Smith’s return to Seattle, giving the duo plenty of reason to put their best foot forward regardless of the stage. That said, many players will have much more on the line in terms of keeping their careers alive into mid-August.
Here’s a look at five players who could significantly alter their career trajectory based on how they perform on Aug. 7.
Phillip Dorsett, Raiders WR
Many have argued that the Raiders have had a New England Patriots coat of paint over the past few years. Of course, many have pointed toward Josh McDaniels, Antonio Pierce, and Tom Brady to make that point.
However, Phillip Dorsett serves as Exhibit B and finds himself on the bubble of making the team. The receiver spent three years with Brady in New England and hopes for at least one more after failing to log a snap in 2024. If Dorsett fails to make a strong impression, it could spell the end of his career as soon as this week.
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Jack Bech, WR
Jack Bech was arguably the prospect story of the late-January, early February pre-Super Bowl window, thanks to a last-second Senior Bowl touchdown catch. Now, on the other side of the NFL Draft and the early part of training camp, it’s time for him to make his first impression as a member of the Raiders.
Depending on his performance, he might be able to make a big leap toward convincing Carroll to place him near the top of the depth chart. However, a negative first impression could potentially set him back weeks or months.
Albert Okwuegbunam, TE
The former Denver Broncos tight end was signed this week and finds himself in a loaded tight end room. The first game of the preseason will allow him to either take a big step toward getting to September or make the Raiders think twice about signing him. Nothing is guaranteed for Albert Okwuegbunam, so he has every reason to treat this game like his Super Bowl.
Okwuegbunam hasn’t recorded a statistic since 2022, so this very well could be his last chance after a slow and recently declining start to his career.
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Thomas Booker IV, DT
The defensive tackle was acquired via trade from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for cornerback Jakorian Bennett. This indicates at least some level of belief in the defensive tackle, but without spending a draft pick on the trade, the investment was minimal.
If Thomas Booker, who has posted light statistics since he joined the league in 2022, struggles to deliver in his first preseason outing, he could solidify himself at the bottom of the roster for the duration of the season, assuming he makes the final 53-man roster. Booker missed the 2023 season outright, creating even more of an uphill battle for Booker to overcome.
Cam Miller, QB
Cam Miller’s NFL debut is expected on Thursday, and all things considered, this will likely be one of just three chances all year long to put out some great tape. Unless a miracle happens, he is likely to be the team’s third-string quarterback and stuck for the season. If the Raiders move on later down the line, his performance in these games will be all the evidence he can provide to other teams.
In other words, the foundation of his career will be laid over the next several weeks, starting with the showdown against Seattle. If he rises, he could have future employment beyond the Raiders. If he falls and doesn’t stick with the team into 2026, this could be as far as he goes. As such, the pressure will be on Miller’s shoulders. Will he deliver?