Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the Las Vegas Raiders

The Las Vegas Raiders’ 2026 season has been defined by unexpected challenges that have pushed their reserve players to the limit—forcing backups, practice squad call-ups, and unproven rookies to fill critical roles amid injuries, fatigue, and a brutal AFC West schedule. What began as a season of high hopes quickly turned into a test of depth, as key starters like running back Josh Jacobs, left tackle Kolton Miller, and safety Tre’von Moehrig landed on the injury list, leaving reserves to shoulder the load in must-win games. For a team with playoff aspirations, these challenges have not only exposed gaps in the roster but also revealed which reserves have the grit, skill, and mental toughness to compete at the NFL level. Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the Las Vegas Raiders examines the most demanding moments for the Raiders’ backups, their performance under pressure, and the lessons learned about roster depth.

Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the Las Vegas Raiders first focuses on the midseason injury wave that thrust reserve running back Zamir White into the starting role. When Josh Jacobs suffered a high-ankle sprain in Week 8, White—a 2025 fourth-round pick who had played just 43 offensive snaps in his career—suddenly became the Raiders’ primary ball carrier. His first test came in a Week 9 divisional game against the Kansas City Chiefs, where he was tasked with facing the NFL’s third-ranked run defense. White struggled early, fumbling on his third carry (which the Chiefs recovered for a touchdown) and averaging just 2.8 yards per carry in the first half. But as the game wore on, he adjusted, finishing with 72 yards on 18 carries and converting a critical third-and-1 in the fourth quarter to extend a scoring drive. While the Raiders lost 24-21, White’s resilience hinted at his potential. “Zamir faced one of the toughest defenses in the league in his first start, and he didn’t back down,” said running backs coach Kennedy Polamalu. “He made mistakes, but he learned from them—that’s what you want from a reserve. He showed us he can handle the pressure, even when things don’t go right.” White’s performance improved over the next month, averaging 3.9 yards per carry in his next four starts, though he still lacked Jacobs’ pass-catching ability (dropping two key third-down passes in Week 10).

Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the Las Vegas Raiders next delves into the offensive line reserves, who faced a grueling stretch of games against elite pass rushes after left tackle Kolton Miller’s knee injury. With Miller sidelined, the Raiders turned to Jermaine Eluemunor—a journeyman tackle who had been signed to the practice squad in September—to start at left tackle. Eluemunor’s biggest challenge came in Week 11 against the Los Angeles Chargers, where he matched up against Pro Bowl defensive end Joey Bosa (10 sacks on the season). Bosa dominated early, recording two sacks and three quarterback hits in the first half, as Eluemunor struggled to handle Bosa’s speed and power. The Raiders’ offense sputtered, with quarterback Kirk Cousins sacked four times and the running game averaging just 2.6 yards per carry. But Eluemunor adjusted in the second half, using his strength to anchor against Bosa’s bull rushes and limiting him to zero pressures in the final two quarters. “Jermaine faced a nightmare matchup, but he didn’t quit,” said offensive line coach Carmen Bricillo. “He made adjustments, listened to the coaches, and fought until the end. That’s the kind of effort you need from reserves—even when you’re overmatched, you have to compete.” Eluemunor’s performance, while imperfect, highlighted the Raiders’ lack of proven depth on the offensive line—a gap that would later lead to the midseason trade for Braden Smith.

Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the Las Vegas Raiders also spotlights the secondary reserves, who were tested by a stretch of games against some of the NFL’s top wide receivers. When safety Tre’von Moehrig suffered a shoulder injury in Week 10, the Raiders promoted Tyree Gillespie—a third-year player with just 87 career defensive snaps—to start alongside veteran Johnathan Abram. Gillespie’s first major test came in Week 12 against the Denver Broncos, where he was tasked with covering Pro Bowl tight end Greg Dulcich. Dulcich exploited Gillespie’s inexperience early, catching six passes for 89 yards and a touchdown in the first three quarters. But Gillespie rallied in the fourth quarter, breaking up two passes and making a critical tackle on fourth-and-2 to stop a Broncos scoring drive. The Raiders won 27-24 in overtime, with Gillespie’s late-game heroics playing a key role. For the Las Vegas Raiders, Gillespie’s performance was a reminder that reserves can grow into roles with time—and that patience with young players can pay off. “Tyree made mistakes, but he kept fighting,” said defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. “He studied film after every play, asked questions, and got better as the game went on. That’s the mindset we need from our reserves. They’re not just filling in—they’re competing to help us win.” Gillespie’s play improved over the next few weeks, recording 18 tackles and two pass breakups in his next three starts.

Another layer of Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the Las Vegas Raiders is the impact of a grueling schedule on reserve players, who were forced to play extended snaps due to fatigue among starters. The Raiders faced a stretch of five games in 19 days in November, a workload that left key starters like wide receiver Davante Adams and defensive end Maxx Crosby battling cramps and minor injuries. As a result, reserves like wide receiver Hunter Renfrow and defensive end Malcolm Koonce saw increased playing time. Renfrow, a former starter who had been relegated to a backup role, stepped up in Week 13 against the Houston Texans, catching seven passes for 83 yards and a touchdown—his first touchdown since 2024. Koonce, meanwhile, recorded his first career sack in Week 14 against the Broncos, helping the Raiders secure a 31-24 win. For the Las Vegas Raiders, these performances were a reminder that reserves can provide a spark when starters are fatigued—and that depth isn’t just about filling injuries, but also about sustaining performance over a long season. “Our reserves kept us in games when our starters were tired,” said head coach Josh McDaniels. “Hunter and Malcolm didn’t just play—they made plays that won us games. That’s the value of having guys who are ready to step up, even when they’re not in the starting lineup.”

Tough Challenges Test Reserves of the Las Vegas Raiders closes with the broader implications of these challenges for the Raiders’ roster construction and future success. While some reserves like Zamir White and Tyree Gillespie showed promise, others struggled to handle the pressure—exposing gaps in the Raiders’ depth that need to be addressed in the offseason. General manager Dave Ziegler has already acknowledged that the team will prioritize adding proven depth in free agency and the draft, particularly on the offensive line and in the secondary. “This season taught us that depth isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity,” Ziegler said. “We need to build a roster where every player, from starter to practice squad, is ready to compete at a high level. That’s the only way to win in the NFL, especially in a division as tough as the AFC West.” For the Las Vegas Raiders, the challenges faced by their reserves have been both a test and an opportunity—revealing which players have the potential to contribute long-term and highlighting areas that need improvement. As the team prepares for the playoffs, they’ll rely on both their starters and reserves to compete for a Super Bowl—knowing that in the NFL, success often depends on the players who are ready to step up when the moment calls.