Moves on Roster Wire Reported by the Las Vegas Raiders

As the NFL regular season enters its critical final stretch, the Las Vegas Raiders have been active on the roster wire, making targeted moves to shore up depth, address injury concerns, and optimize their lineup for playoff contention. Moves on Roster Wire Reported by the Las Vegas Raiders breaks down these transactions—from practice squad elevations to free-agent signings and short-term injuries designations—highlighting how each decision aligns with the team’s goal of staying competitive while protecting future flexibility. For a franchise balancing win-now urgency with long-term roster building, these roster wire moves aren’t just administrative tasks; they’re strategic choices that can tip the scales in close games and shape the team’s success down the line.

Moves on Roster Wire Reported by the Las Vegas Raiders begins with the team’s most recent free-agent signing: veteran offensive lineman Wes Schweitzer, brought in on a one-year deal to bolster depth along the interior. Schweitzer, a nine-year NFL veteran with stints in Atlanta, Washington, and Arizona, was signed after starting guard Greg Van Roten suffered a knee sprain in Week 14, leaving a gap in the Raiders’ offensive line rotation. Schweitzer, who can play both guard and center, provides immediate insurance—he’s expected to serve as a backup in Week 15 but could start if Van Roten’s recovery takes longer than anticipated. “Wes is a proven player who knows our system and can step in and contribute right away,” said Raiders general manager Tom Telesco. “Offensive line depth is critical this time of year, and adding him gives us the flexibility to handle any injuries that come our way.” The signing also reflects the Raiders’ focus on veteran experience; Schweitzer has played in 112 NFL games, including 63 starts, giving him the poise to perform in high-pressure situations.

Moves on Roster Wire Reported by the Las Vegas Raiders delves into the team’s practice squad elevations, a key tool for addressing short-term needs without committing to long-term contracts. In Week 14, the Raiders elevated two players: defensive back J.R. Reed and running back Sincere McCormick. Reed, a fourth-year player, was called up to add depth to the secondary after cornerback Jakorian Bennett reaggravated a shoulder injury in practice. He played 25 special teams snaps against the Broncos, recording one tackle and helping to limit Denver’s return game to an average of just 18 yards per kickoff. McCormick, an undrafted free agent in 2022, was elevated to back up Zamir White after Josh Jacobs was listed as questionable with a hamstring tweak. While McCormick didn’t see any offensive snaps, his presence ensured the Raiders wouldn’t be caught short if Jacobs couldn’t finish the game. “Practice squad elevations let us test players in game situations while keeping our roster flexible,” said a Raiders team source. “It’s a win-win—we get depth when we need it, and the players get a chance to prove they belong on the active roster.”

Moves on Roster Wire Reported by the Las Vegas Raiders examines the team’s decision to place tight end Foster Moreau on injured reserve (IR) in Week 13, a move that freed up a roster spot for Schweitzer. Moreau, who had been dealing with a knee injury since Week 8, had played through the pain but saw his production drop—he caught just three passes for 28 yards in his final three games before the IR designation. Placing him on IR means he’ll miss at least four weeks, but it also allows him to fully recover instead of risking further injury. To replace Moreau, the Raiders signed free-agent tight end Austin Hooper, a two-time Pro Bowler who had been a free agent since being released by the Tennessee Titans in October. Hooper has since played in three games, catching six passes for 52 yards and providing a reliable red-zone target for quarterback Aidan O’Connell. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the IR move and subsequent signing illustrate the team’s commitment to both player health and on-field performance—they didn’t let loyalty to Moreau compromise the team’s ability to compete, but they also gave him the space to heal properly. “Foster is a key part of our team, but we have to do what’s best for both him and the roster,” Telesco said. “Signing Austin gives us a proven playmaker at tight end, and putting Foster on IR lets him get healthy for a potential playoff run.”

Moves on Roster Wire Reported by the Las Vegas Raiders explores the team’s release of defensive end Clelin Ferrell in Week 12, a surprising move that generated buzz around the league. Ferrell, the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had failed to live up to expectations—he recorded just 10 sacks in four seasons with the Raiders and had become a rotational player rather than a starter. The release freed up $4.5 million in salary-cap space, which the Raiders used to sign Schweitzer and Hooper. It also signaled a shift in the Raiders’ defensive line strategy: instead of clinging to a high-draft pick who wasn’t producing, they chose to invest in more reliable veterans and younger players like Tyree Wilson, who has emerged as a breakout star this season. For the Las Vegas Raiders, the move was a difficult but necessary one—letting go of a former first-round pick is never easy, but it was clear Ferrell no longer fit into the team’s long-term plans. “We have to make tough decisions to keep our roster competitive,” said head coach Antonio Pierce. “Clelin gave us everything he had, but we felt this move was best for both him and the team. It opens up opportunities for other players and lets us use our cap space more effectively.”

Moves on Roster Wire Reported by the Las Vegas Raiders wraps up with the broader implications of these transactions, both for the rest of the season and beyond. The Raiders’ roster wire activity has been defined by pragmatism: they’ve added depth where they need it, cut ties with underperformers, and used IR and practice squad rules to their advantage. These moves have helped the team stay competitive despite a wave of injuries—they’re currently 10-6 and in contention for a wild-card spot—and have positioned them well for the playoffs. They’ve also sent a message to the league: the Raiders are no longer willing to tolerate mediocrity, even from high-profile players, and they’re willing to make bold moves to win. For Raiders Nation, the roster wire moves have been a source of optimism—they show the front office is proactive and focused on winning, not just building for the future. “These moves prove the team is serious about competing,” said long-time fan Sarah Martinez. “They’re not just sitting back and hoping for the best—they’re making changes to give us a chance to win now.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the roster wire moves are more than just transactions—they’re a statement of intent. As the playoffs approach, the team’s active approach to roster management could be the difference between a short postseason run and a deep push for a Super Bowl title.