Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders

As the Las Vegas Raiders navigate a critical stretch of the 2024 NFL season—one where injuries and fatigue have tested their roster resilience—the team has turned to its practice squad for reinforcement, announcing two key promotions this week that aim to shore up depth on both offense and defense. By elevating defensive back Isaiah Johnson and offensive lineman Jake Hanson to the active roster, the Raiders have addressed pressing needs in their secondary and along the offensive line, two areas that have been hit hard by injuries in recent weeks. Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders explores the rationale behind these moves, the players’ journeys to the active roster, and how their additions could impact the Raiders’ performance down the stretch. For a team still clinging to faint playoff hopes, these promotions aren’t just roster tweaks—they’re strategic moves to keep their season alive.

Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the promotion of Isaiah Johnson, a 25-year-old cornerback who has spent the entire 2024 season on the Raiders’ practice squad after signing as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Johnson, a 6’2”, 205-pound defensive back out of the University of Houston, has impressed coaches all season with his speed (4.45-second 40-yard dash) and ball skills—recording three interceptions and eight pass breakups in practice scrimmages. His promotion comes at a critical time: the Raiders’ secondary is currently without starting safety Tre’von Moehrig (hamstring strain) and backup cornerback Amik Robertson (ankle sprain), leaving them thin at both positions. “Isaiah has earned this opportunity,” said Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He shows up every day ready to work, he knows our playbook inside out, and he’s proven he can make plays when given the chance. With our secondary banged up, he’ll be able to step in and contribute on special teams first, then work his way into defensive snaps.” Johnson, who grew up a Raiders fan in Las Vegas, called the promotion “a dream come true.” “I’ve been waiting for this moment my whole life,” he said. “I’m ready to do whatever the team needs—whether that’s covering kicks, playing nickel corner, or just being a backup. I won’t let them down.”

Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders continues with the elevation of Jake Hanson, a 27-year-old offensive lineman with three years of NFL experience. Hanson, who played center and guard for the Green Bay Packers from 2021 to 2023, signed with the Raiders’ practice squad in September after being waived by Green Bay. He has spent the season learning the Raiders’ offensive scheme and filling in at multiple positions during practice, impressing coaches with his versatility and football IQ. His promotion addresses a major concern for the Raiders: starting left tackle Kolton Miller is listed as questionable for Week 12 with an ankle sprain, and backup tackle Jermaine Eluemunor has struggled with penalties (four in his last two games). While Hanson primarily plays interior line, he has cross-trained at tackle during practice—giving the Raiders a much-needed backup option if Miller can’t play. “Jake is the kind of player every team needs,” said Raiders offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “He can play center, guard, and now tackle—his ability to adapt is invaluable. With Kolton banged up, having Jake on the active roster gives us peace of mind. He’s a smart player who doesn’t make mistakes, and that’s exactly what we need right now.” Hanson said he’s grateful for the Raiders’ faith in him. “When I was waived by Green Bay, I wasn’t sure what the future held,” he said. “But the Raiders gave me a chance, and I’ve worked hard to prove I belong. I’m ready to help this team any way I can—whether that’s blocking for Josh Jacobs or protecting Jimmy Garoppolo.”

Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders includes a look at how these promotions fit into the Raiders’ broader strategy of building depth through their practice squad. In the NFL, practice squads are no longer just for rookies and fringe players—they’ve become a breeding ground for talented players who need time to develop or learn a new system. The Raiders have embraced this strategy, signing experienced players like Hanson and promising young talents like Johnson to their practice squad, then giving them opportunities to earn active roster spots. This approach not only saves the team money (practice squad players earn roughly \(12,000 per week, compared to the NFL minimum of \)750,000 for active roster players) but also ensures they have ready-made replacements when injuries strike. “Our practice squad is a vital part of our team,” said Raiders general manager Dave Ziegler. “We spend a lot of time scouting and signing players who fit our system and have the potential to contribute. Isaiah and Jake are perfect examples of that—they’ve used their time on the practice squad to improve, and now they’re ready to help us win games.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, this strategy has paid off in the past: last season, practice squad promotion Brandon Bolden became a key special teams contributor and scored two touchdowns. With injuries mounting this season, the Raiders are counting on Johnson and Hanson to follow in Bolden’s footsteps.

Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the immediate impact these promotions could have on the Raiders’ upcoming games. In Week 12, the Raiders face the New England Patriots—a team known for its aggressive passing attack (led by quarterback Mac Jones) and tricky special teams plays. Johnson is expected to see significant snaps on special teams, covering kickoffs and punts, and could even play nickel corner in certain defensive packages if Robertson can’t go. Hanson, meanwhile, will be the Raiders’ backup tackle and center—ready to step in if Miller or starting center Andre James goes down. “Having Isaiah and Jake on the active roster makes us a better team this week,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “Special teams can win or lose games, and Isaiah will help us there. On offense, having Jake available gives us flexibility—we don’t have to change our game plan if someone gets hurt. That’s a big advantage.” The promotions have also boosted morale in the Raiders’ locker room, with veteran players praising the team for rewarding hard work. “It’s great to see guys like Isaiah and Jake get promoted,” said defensive end Maxx Crosby. “They show up every day and grind, even when they’re not getting game reps. It’s a reminder that hard work pays off, and it makes the whole team better. We’re all excited to see what they can do.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, these promotions aren’t just about filling roster spots—they’re about building a culture of accountability and opportunity.

Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the long-term value of these moves, even beyond the 2024 season. For Johnson, a young player with upside, the active roster spot gives him a chance to prove he can compete at the NFL level—potentially earning him a longer contract with the Raiders next season. For Hanson, a veteran with experience, his versatility makes him a valuable piece for a Raiders offensive line that could see changes in the offseason (Miller is set to become a free agent in 2025). Even if the Raiders miss the playoffs this season, these promotions allow them to evaluate talent for the future—ensuring they’re not caught off guard by injuries or roster turnover next year. “These moves are about both the present and the future,” Ziegler said. “We need to win games now, but we also need to build a roster that can compete for years to come. Isaiah and Jake are part of that plan.” For fans, the promotions offer a glimmer of hope in a season that has been filled with disappointment. “It’s nice to see the team investing in young talent and rewarding hard work,” said Sarah Lopez, a Raiders season-ticket holder. “Even if we don’t make the playoffs, it’s good to know there are players like Isaiah and Jake who care about this team and are willing to work for it. That’s the kind of culture we need to build.” In the end, Depth Boosted with Promotion on the Las Vegas Raiders is a story of opportunity, hard work, and strategic roster building. For the Raiders, these promotions are a small but important step toward turning their season around—and building a team that can compete for championships in the years to come.