Raiders Release Cody White, Activate Thornton
Thornton is expected to be active for the Week 9 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Updated on Nov. 4, 2026 in Football
Las Vegas Raiders fans and fantasy managers will see a receiving-corps shake-up: the team released wide receiver Cody White from the active roster and activated tight end Carter Runyon and wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. in his place.
Why it matters
White's limited upside was cited as the reason the Raiders decided against keeping him on the active roster, a call that shapes who gets targets in a passing game that managed only two wide receivers with targets in Week 8. Head coach Klint Kubiak stated that Thornton will not play until he takes a depth chart spot from another player.
The Raiders scored 38 points against the New York Jets in Week 8, and only two wide receivers, Jalen Nailor and Tre Tucker, recorded targets. White has three touchdowns through the first three games, and Nailor holds a one-yard receiving edge over him, so the decision turns on a narrow margin. It remains unclear whether White clears waivers or what role Thornton will fill once he takes a depth chart spot.
The players
Las Vegas Raiders
The NFL team that released White and activated Runyon and Thornton to its active roster.
Klint Kubiak
The Raiders head coach who said Thornton will not play until he takes a depth chart spot from another player.
Cody White
The Raiders wide receiver released from the active roster after three touchdowns in the season's first three games.
Dont'e Thornton Jr.
The 6-foot-5 Raiders wide receiver activated to the active roster after starting the season on Injured Reserve.
The details
The Las Vegas Raiders released wide receiver Cody White from the active roster to make room to activate tight end Carter Runyon, and activated wide receiver Dont'e Thornton Jr. to the active roster after holding off on that decision. Thornton, who started the season on Injured Reserve and was inactive against the New York Jets, is 6-foot-5 and runs a 4.30-second 40-yard dash, but head coach Klint Kubiak said he will not play until he takes a depth chart spot from another player. If White clears waivers, the Raiders would want to bring him back on the practice squad.
Timeline
Week 8: Raiders scored 38 points against the New York Jets, with only two wide receivers receiving targets.
Week 9: Thornton is expected to be active against the San Francisco 49ers.
Beyond the Strip
The Week 8 win over the Jets, in which only Nailor and Tucker drew targets among wide receivers, shows how narrow the Raiders' passing rotation has become this season. Releasing White, who had three touchdowns early but has had no more than one catch in each of his last three games, continues that trend toward a tighter group of receivers.
If you are a Raiders fan heading to the stadium or watching at home, expect Thornton to be on the sideline but not yet on the field when he is activated. Fantasy managers rostering White should check the waiver wire for his status.
The takeaway
Watch the depth chart over the next two weeks to see whether Thornton earns a spot ahead of another receiver. If White clears waivers, the practice squad is the place to look for his return.
What happens next
Thornton is expected to be active when the Raiders face the San Francisco 49ers in Week 9, and White's waiver status will determine whether he returns to the practice squad.
Further reading
Find more Raiders roster and game coverage in the Football section.
