Raiders Opened Practice Window for Dont'e Thornton
The team began a 21-day window on October 7 to evaluate the receiver for a return to the roster.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football
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The Las Vegas Raiders have initiated a 21-day practice window for receiver Dont'e Thornton. The move marks the start of the receiver's potential return to the field after he was placed on injured reserve following a training camp hamstring injury.
Why it matters
The team's receiver depth remains a focal point of the season as coaches work to integrate players back into the rotation. Managing these recovery timelines is critical for the roster as the Raiders look to solidify their depth chart.
The Raiders opened a 21-day window for Thornton, who recorded 10 catches and 135 yards in 15 games during his 2025 rookie season. The timeline for his return to active status is currently unknown.
The players
Dont'e Thornton
The Las Vegas Raiders receiver who is returning from a hamstring injury.
Klint Kubiak
The head coach who confirmed the initiation of the practice window.
Jackson Power-Johnson
A player who participated in the team's practice session.
Jalen Nailor
A player who did not participate in the latest practice session.
The details
Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the start of the practice window, which allows the team to evaluate Thornton's health before making a decision on his active roster status. During the same practice session, Jackson Power-Johnson participated, though Jalen Nailor was noted as missing from the activities.
Timeline
Training camp took place in 2026.
Dont'e Thornton played his rookie season in 2025.
The practice window for Dont'e Thornton opened on October 7, 2026.
Beyond the Strip
The Raiders are utilizing the NFL's 21-day injured reserve practice window to evaluate player health. This follows a long-standing league pattern where teams manage roster flexibility by testing players in practice before clearing them for full game-day activation.
Fans tracking the team's progress should monitor practice reports over the next three weeks to see if Thornton is activated to the roster. The team must make a decision on his status before the 21-day window expires on October 28.
The takeaway
The team now has exactly 21 days to determine if Thornton is ready to return to active play. Keep an eye on weekly injury reports for confirmation of his status during this evaluation period.
Further reading
For more on roster updates and team news, visit the Football section.
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