How Few Things (Currently) Set in Stone for Kubiak's Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders have a new way of doing things under Klint Kubiak, as few things are solidified heading into the final week of the preseason. That is just how Kubiak likes it.

May 28, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak looks on during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

After an offseason full of changes, offseason programs, and training camp, the Las Vegas Raiders' coaching staff plans to take every bit of time allotted to them to put the finishing touches on their roster. As the final preseason game approaches, Klint Kubiak and the Raiders are just getting started.

Despite several notable roster additions on both sides of the ball, Las Vegas entered the offseason with too many roster holes to adequately fill in one offseason. They have spent weeks of practice implementing their new roster and coaching staff additions, while further developing their reserves.

As the Raiders look to turn things around in 2026 and beyond, they will need players at all levels of the depth chart to step up. Las Vegas will depend heavily on the sizeable roster additions it made, but will equally need the depth on the roster ready to contribute when needed.

Week 1 is right around the corner, and aside from center, left tackle, tight end, running back, and punter, most positions on the field have significant questions that remain. There will be plenty of opportunities for players looking to earn a roster spot or additional playing time.

Opportunities Abound

May 20, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak looks on during organized team activities at Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Candice Ward-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Raiders used their practice and preseason game against the Houston Texans to get a better look at the players further down on their depth chart. With cutdown day approaching, Kubiak noted that resting their starters against Houston was part of the coaching staff's plan all along.

“Yeah, that was the plan all along. When we have those joint practices, they get so many reps that joint practice is the game and the guys understood that going in and that's how we decided to play it," Kubiak said the day after the game.

A 17-point comeback win orchestrated nearly solely by reserve players gave Las Vegas' coaching staff a quality look at the players they have to choose from this season. The Raiders' preseason games will be the best chance for many of those players to earn a roster spot.

Las Vegas has answered many of the questions they faced heading into the offseason. Yet, many more have arisen since. Still, Kubiak and his staff plan to take their time working through the roster-building process. Soon, though, tough decisions will be made.

Kubiak in No Rush

Aug 20, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak jogs onto the field before the game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Over the past few months, the Raiders' moves have confirmed that they have a detailed plan in mind for every aspect of their rebuild. This is especially the case for Kubiak's first season at the helm, as Las Vegas is determined to build a more competitive team from the ground up.

In just under two weeks, the Raiders will begin trimming down their roster. Although a handful of positions have been figured out and several more appear to be, Kubiak believes that refusing to name starters, even at positions where starters are clear, benefits the team as a whole.

"I just don't think it ever benefits a player to know that they've have a spot secured, and if there's always a little bit of uneasiness about that, that benefits the whole team, the player and the team,” Kubiak said. 

“And as far as the secondary, overall, as a defense, I thought we took a step forward last night. I think we’ve got a lot of good work in the joint practice covering some new guys, and those guys need another game under their belt against San Francisco to continue to get better.”

The Raiders have shown improvement with each practice in training camp and seem to show the most improvement after each preseason game. With one more exhibition matchup remaining before the regular season, Kubiak and the Raiders continue to put in the work on and off the field.

Soon, Las Vegas will take the field for their first regular-season game of the Kubiak era. Until then, the Raiders will take each day to improve in the different areas they have struggled in during practice and the preseason. The depth chart will naturally work itself out from there.

Darrell Craig Harris, ON SI

The Raiders are gaining further clarity about the roster that was quickly revamped over the offseason. With a need for further development still apparent, it will be interesting to see how the Raiders' roster and depth chart shake out later this month.