The Las Vegas Raiders are not really trying to win football games from here on out. Sure, no one likes to lose, and the players surely aren't going to roll over and play dead, but it's obvious that this team isn't doing all they can to win every single game left on their schedule.
But, they do still want to compete. No one wants to get absolutely blown out. So, they are trying to compete to transfer that over to next year as well, and that looks to be happening, as they could have won their last few games, but especially this last one against the Kansas City Chiefs.
Now, they are making some roster moves for depth to keep that competitiveness intact if it calls for them to use some of that depth.
According to the Raiders PR team, they are signing No. 4 wide receiver Shedrick Jackson and No. 47 linebacker Brandon Smith to the practice squad.
Jackson attended Auburn University where he played college football. He has a notable family connection as he is the great-nephew of Bo Jackson, a Heisman Trophy winner and former NFL and MLB player who also played for Auburn and the Raiders.
Before joining the Raiders, Jackson was with the Cincinnati Bengals. He signed with them as an undrafted free agent in 2023 after his college career. In his time with the Bengals, he appeared in three games in 2023, mainly contributing on special teams with 38 special teams snaps and one tackle.
Jackson is known for his speed, having recorded a 4.25-second 40-yard dash at Auburn's pro day. Over his college career, he accumulated 66 receptions for 874 yards, showing his capability as a receiver.
Smith played college football at Penn State University, where he was known for his athleticism and defensive capabilities. He was a standout linebacker, earning Third-Team All-Big Ten honors in 2021. His college stats included 117 combined tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, two interceptions, one fumble recovery, and half a sack over 24 games.
He was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth round of the 2022 NFL Draft, 120th overall. His rookie season with the Panthers was somewhat limited; he appeared in 12 games, with one start, primarily contributing on special teams with 193 of his 246 snaps in that role. Smith's career has been impacted by injuries.
He was placed on injured reserve during his time with the Panthers due to an ankle injury. After being waived by the Panthers in the preseason of 2023, he joined the Philadelphia Eagles' practice squad. His tenure with the Eagles saw him on the practice squad for a significant period, with limited opportunities for game action.
The Raiders may not expect these two players to do anything crazy for them, but there are reasons they brought them on to help contribute in some way.
