Tag: Tyreik McAllister

Raiders have 2 ex-Broncos set to face their old team on Sunday

Former Broncos players Jacob Bobenmoyer and Tyreik McAllister now play for the Raiders, who will host Denver this week.

The Las Vegas Raiders are set to host the Denver Broncos in Week 12 and two former Denver players could face off against their old team.

The Raiders have two ex-Broncos who contribute on special teams: long snapper Jacob Bobenmoyer and returner Tyreik McAllister.

Bobenmoyer, 27, handled long snapping duties in Denver from 2019-2022 before being replaced by Mitchell Fraboni. Bobenmoyer signed with Las Vegas last year and he’s been the Raiders’ long snapper since then.

McAllister, 26, signed with the Broncos as an undrafted free agent running back out of Charleston in 2022. He spent most of that season either on reserve or the practice squad before re-signing in 2023. McAllister was cut before training camp last summer and then spent a season playing in the CFL with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.

McAllister signed with Las Vegas in January. He played in three games this season before being bumped down to the practice squad. The Raiders list him as a wide receiver and kickoff and punt returner.

Sunday’s game will be regionally televised on CBS (TV map). Despite playing on the road, the Broncos are considered favorites this week.

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Raiders re-sign WR, TE to practice squad

The Raiders re-signed a pair of players to their practice squad on Monday.

After a Sunday night highlighted by a series of coaching staff dismissals, the Las Vegas Raiders (2-7) made a pair of roster moves on Monday.

The Raiders re-signed wide receiver Tyreik McAllister and tight end John Samuel Shenker to the practice squad on Monday afternoon.

McAllister and Shenker were waived last Friday in order for the Raiders to sign wide receiver Ramel Keyton and tight end Justin Shorter to the roster.

Prior to being waived last week, McAllister and Shenker had appeared in three and five games, respectively.

Per Pro Football Focus, McAllister saw four offensive snaps in the Raiders’ Week 4 win over the Cleveland Browns where he had a pair of carries for 11 yards.

The 5-foot-10, 185 pound wideout also saw action with the Raiders’ special teams units against the Los Angeles Chargers, the Browns and the Los Angeles Rams. On the season, McAllister has returned a pair of punts for 24 yards and a pair of kickoffs for 49 yards with longs of 14 and 28 yards, respectively.

McAllister has 16 total special teams snaps per PFF, including 10 on the kickoff return unit, four on the kickoff coverage unit and two more on the punt return team.

Shenker caught one pass for seven yards in the Raiders’ Week 8 contest against the Kansas City Chiefs.

According to PFF, Shenker has registered 60 total offensive snaps during the 2024 season. The 6-foot-4, 249 pound tight end tallied a season-high 23 snaps against the Chiefs.

These roster moves are the latest in an eventful start to the Raiders’ bye week.

Following its 41-24 loss at Cincinnati on Sunday, the Raiders announced that they had fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsy, quarterbacks coach Rich Scangarello and offensive line coach James Cregg.

Raiders head coach Antonio Pierce met with the media on Monday to discuss the dismissals and he wasn’t ready yet to name his new offensive coordinator.

“I’ll use the next 24 to 48 hours to sit down with the staff and figure out who’s going to call the offense going forward,” Pierce said.

The Raiders have lost five in a row and will look to snap their losing streak when they travel to the Miami Dolphins (2-6) on Sunday, Nov. 17 in Week 11 of the NFL season.

Raiders sign 2 to active roster, cut 2 ahead of Week 9

Friday the Raiders swapped out wide receivers and tight ends.

Friday the Raiders made a few roster moves, swapping out wide receivers and tight ends. Signed the to roster were WR Ramel Keyton and TE Justin Shorter. Waived were WR Tyreik McAllister and TE John Samuel Shenker.

Keyton was signed as an undrafted free agent this offseason. He impressed in training camp and preseason and spent all of this season on the team’s practice squad.

Shorter was a former fifth overall pick by the Buffalo Bills. He was among the team’s final roster cuts in August and has spent all season on the Raiders’ practice squad. He has been activated off the practice squad the past two weeks.

McAllister spent last season in the CFL, leading the league in return yardage. He returned a kick for a touchdown this preseason for the Raiders, earning him a roster spot.

Shenker has spent parts of the past two seasons with the Raiders and was the team’s number two tight end the past few weeks with Harrison Bryant injured. Bryant returns this week from his elbow injury.

Raiders Week 3 inactives vs Panthers

These players won’t play in Raiders home opener vs the Panthers.

The inactives are out and there aren’t a lot of surprises among them.

https://twitter.com/Raiders/status/1837923650126991517

LB Divine Deablo was ruled OUT on the final injury report with an oblique and concussion. Luke Masterson will start at linebacker in his place.

CB DeCamerion Richardson was Doubtful with a hamstring injury. The team activated Sam Webb to fill the depth issue.

RB Dylan Laube has been inactive all three games this season so far. They have three backs active in Zamir White, Alexander Mattison, and Ameer Abdullah.

Tyreik McAllister and Ramel Keyton being inactive is a numbers game. They have all of their wide receivers healthy.

Jordan Meredith being inactive is because rookie round two pick Jackson Powers-Johnson is playing in his first game of the season.

When it comes to kick and punt returns Raiders have good problem

When it comes to kick and punt returns Raiders have good problem

One position on the Raiders roster that doesn’t get discussed much, but probably should be is return specialist. It has become one of the more deep positions on the team, with several very good options to line up there.

Last season, the Raiders had one return specialist. One. It was DeAndre Carter who is no longer on the team. He returned both kicks and punts.

This year, those duties could go to as many as five different players on the team.

If you look at the depth chart on the Raiders website, they have Ameer Abdullah, DJ Turner, and Dylan Laube listed as kick returners and Tre Tucker and Abdullah as punt returners.

It was Abdullah who was the team’s primary kick returner back in 2022, which explains his spot atop the depth chart. Turner returned a few kicks and punts that season as well. Tucker was originally drafted for his speed and was electric returning punts this preseason. And Laube was drafted this year in part because the team hoped he would be a a good fit for the new kickoff rules. Though he didn’t show much in preseason.

The funny thing is, though, it may be that none of them are the team’s primary return specialist this season. That job could go to former CFLer Tyreik McAllister.

“I remember the first time Tyreik caught a punt return and it wasn’t even a full cover,” Abdullah recalled. “He just went along his track and he was just dat-dat-dat-dat-dat. His feet was just kinda like the Roadrunner. I was like ‘that dude can spin’. And to see it in live action, it just shows that it translates. I think the world of him.”

When Abdullah says it translates, he’s speaking of McCallister’s 81-yard punt return for a touchdown in the team’s preseason finale against the 49ers while averaging 30 yards per kick return in the preseason opener in Minnesota

McAllister put up return records last season with the CFL’s Hamilton Tigercats. The Raiders brought him in for that reason and he was a mainstay with the return specialists throughout the offseason and camp. The skills he put on display in the CFL showed up big time for the Raiders and earned him a place on the Raiders roster.

This does present a bit of a dilemma, though, for head coach Antonio Pierce.

McAllister lit up two of the preseason games on kicks and punts and Tucker showed off his speed with a 43-yard punt return in the second preseason game against the Cowboys. So, who gets the job come the season? That’s a good problem to have. And it sounds like the team is leaning toward McAllister.

“One is cool. Two’s better,” Pierce said of picking between Tucker and McAllister. “I mean, to be honest, McAllister’s role on offense is still to be determined, but we know what he can do. We’ve all seen that, and he did that even as a kickoff returner. . . And we got to be smart, right? Tre Tucker is one of our starting receivers, so McAllister has a role. I don’t know, is it this guy this week? Is it that guy? Is it the hot hand? But I think both guys have done an outstanding job now in the return game. I think we’ve seen that both as punt returners, and McAllister punt return and kickoff return.”

Tucker is impressing the team more and more as a receiver, so it could be smart to keep him focused on that. And with the depth they clearly have at return specialist, along with McAllister’s return talents, they have the luxury of making that decision.

5 takeaways from Raiders 53-man roster

We have the Raiders initial 53-man roster. And with it there are some interesting observations. Let’s look into a few of those which stood out to me.

We have the Raiders initial 53-man roster. And with it there are some interesting observations. Let’s look into a few of those which stood out to me.

Some teams have opted to carry three quarterbacks on the roster. Others have gone with just two, essentially placing their third quarterback on the practice squad. The Raiders chose the latter. Most likely they will bring back either Carter Bradley or Nathan Peterman to be that third QB. But if another QB comes available they like, who knows.

Kristian Wilkerson seemed like a shoo-in to make the Raiders roster. But he and Jalen Guyton were both cut in favor of a couple young players who showed a lot of potential. Tyreik McAllister showed elite speed and kick return abilities while undrafted rookie Ramel Keyton showed great skills and length as a receiver. We will wait to see if they are both still on the roster after whomever the Raiders add off waivers, but they are here now over Wilkerson and Guyton, and that says a lot.

Nine offensive linemen are on the Raiders squad. Almost all of them play multiple positions. Cody Whitehair, Jackson Powers-Johnson, and Dyland Parham can all play both center and guard. Andrus Peat can play guard and tackle. And Thayer Munford and DJ Glaze can play either tackle spot in a pinch.

Seven linebackers is a lot. Like a LOT lot. Mainly because we aren’t in the age of a middle linebacker and two outside linebackers any more. In most cases there will be just two linebackers on the field at any given time. So, at most five linebackers is needed. My hunch is one or two of them will be headed for IR with designation to return and perhaps one waived with the hope for a return to the practice squad. If it’s IR, then Tommy Eichenberg and/or Amari Burney would be the likely candidates as both got banged up this preseason.

Did I mention there are SEVEN linebackers? That will not stay that way. See the above for how that could go down. There’s also five defensive tackles and six cornerbacks despite Antonio Pierce’s displeasure with the preseason performances by the depth at both positions.

The two DT’s who made it on the end of the roster are last year’s draft picks Byron Young and Nesta Jade Silvera. Likewise both rookie cornerbacks made it along with Brandon Facyson who can’t seem to get healthy, making for another candidate for temporary IR.

So, you can see several positions that could see moves made as the team welcomes a few waiver claims.

Raiders keep CFL star and undrafted rookie WR on 53-man roster over two established veterans

Raiders keep CFL star and undrafted rookie WR on 53-man roster over two established veterans

One of the more shocking moves the Raiders made today was to cut Kristian Wilkerson. They also cut Jalen Guyton, making for two veteran receivers let go in favor of young hopefuls.

Making the Raiders initial 53-man roster instead are undrafted rookie Ramel Keyton and former CFL return specialist Tyreik McAllister.

Both players flashed in camp. With McAllister blowing everyone away in the final preseason game with an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown and a savvy touchdown catch.

Keyton had a few nice plays late in that game, showing the instincts and physical gifts he had displayed in the team’s scrimmage in camp.

In the end, the Raiders saw the two youngsters as too valuable to cut. Or at very least too risky to put on waivers in the hopes of getting either of them back on the practice squad.

Keyton showed talent that can be developed while McAllister showed return abilities that can be utilized right away.

There is still the question of what the Raiders do on the waiver wire. But for now, these two have broken through onto the roster, beating out two established veterans to do it.

Ballers for Raiders Preseason Week 3 vs 49ers

Ballers for Raiders Preseason Week 3 vs 49ers

One last preseason game to cover for Ballers & Busters.

Ballers

DE Janarius Robinson

Robinson has been turning heads all preseason. He finished strong too. His tackle for loss on a run was what killed the 49ers first drive. Keep in mind this was 49ers first teamers versus Raiders backups. Robinson made the big play that held them to a field goal.

Though the 49ers were able to score on their second drive, Robinson had a pressure that set up a sack on the drive. The next 49ers possession — with the first teamers still in the game — Robinson got pressure around the right edge to force a quick pass by Purdy that was deflected and picked off. That was Purdy’s last throw of the game.

He would get two more pressures in the game, including a QB hit on the second to last play of the game, resulting in an incompletion and preserving the tie.

DE Charles Snowden

Robinson’s tackle for loss was the big play on the 49ers first drive, but Snowden made sure of it. He chased down Purdy on second down to force an incompletion and on third down he came around the right edge and got his arms up to bat the pass at the line.

He ended a possession in the second quarter by making the tackle on third and four short of the sticks. Then he ended another drive when on third and 11, he came around the edge like a shot to sack the QB for a 13-yard loss.

Oh, and he even had the key block on the 81-yard punt return for a touchdown.

LB Amari Gainer

Gainer was a tackling machine in this one. His 12 combined tackles (10 solo) led the Raiders. Half of those tackles were for one yard or less, two were for a loss, and he even added a sack.

WR/PR Tyreik McAllister

McAllister burst onto the scene in the second quarter when he took a punt 81 yards for a touchdown. He saw his gap, made one cut, and was gone to the house.

The next time we saw him, he was getting downfield as the gunner, forcing a block in the back penalty on the 49ers.

In the third quarter, he began making his mark on offense. First he took a jet sweep for eight yards. Then he came back to make a brilliant catch on a pass well behind him, taking it away from the defender, then turning and scoring with it.

He added a 21-yard catch in the fourth quarter that put the Raiders in first and goal inside the ten. Giving him 58 yards of offense and 196 all purpose yards with two touchdowns. Have yourself a day, Tyreik.

S Phalen Sanford

The first two drives of the fourth quarter ended with Sanford plays. He recovered a fumble to start off the final quarter, and had coverage on an incompletion to end the second drive.

WR Ramel Keyton

He came on late in the game, showing his long arms and catching abilities. One particular catch, he leapt in the air and snagged it with one hand and a defender all over him. His four catches for 76 yards led the Raiders.

Continue to the Busters…

Former CFL star lights up Raiders preseason finale, ‘moved the needle’ in bid to make roster

‘He’s got some juice, right?’ Raiders head coach as this former CFL star lit up Raiders preseason finale.

There are a lot of decisions to be made over the next few days with the cutdown deadline looming. One player who gave the Raiders coaches a lot to think about was Tyreik McCallister.

The 5-11, 180-pounder spent the past two seasons on and off the Broncos’ offseason roster and practice squad.

In between, he spent a season in the CFL with the Hamilton Tigercats where he averaged 25.3 yards per kick return on 41 returns with 426 yards of offense and two touchdowns.

This past January he was signed to a reserve/future contract and coming into camp was seen as a longshot to make the roster. His shot got a lot shorter tonight.

First up, he took a punt in the second quarter and went took it 81 yards for a touchdown.

Then later in the game, he made an outstanding adjustment on a pass over the middle that was behind him to come back, pluck it out of the air and score with it. The defender had no idea what happened or how he did it.

 

“He’s got some juice, right?” said head coach Antonio Pierce after the game. “Came from the CFL and played running back, never played wide receiver, you can see that transition into the offseason program.”

“We’ve been seeing it in practice, but today he took it to another level. Took one to the crib and a hell of a catch and adjustment on the reception. And even just covering kicks. He moved the needle tonight.”

Even with his eye popping plays in this game, McAllister has some guys ahead of him who could make it difficult for him to sneak onto the roster. Namely Tre Tucker and DJ Turner, both of whom have already earned their spots and both of whom also return punts.

But you never know what can happen. At very least, the Raiders may see the value in keeping him around on the practice squad.

Raiders winners and losers in 24-24 preseason tie vs. 49ers

The Raiders closed the preseason with a tie, even though Las Vegas played its reserves against 49ers starters. Who stood out the most?

The Raiders preseason finally came to a close on Friday night in a 24-24 tie against the 49ers in Las Vegas, as coach Antonio Pierce sat his starters while the 49ers played many of their stars, including quarterback Brock Purdy. Still, the Raiders’ reserves held their own, especially on defense.

The Las Vegas offense was without its top two quarterbacks and struggled early, but the Raiders’ special teams had a big day. Tyreik McAllister took an 81-yard punt return to the house for the Raiders’ first score of the night, and he added a touchdown catch later in the game for good measure.

McAllister was easily the biggest winner of the night. Here are the rest of the players who stood out this week, for better or worse.

Winner: DE Janarius Robinson

Before we get to McAllister’s big day, defensive end Janarious Robinson deserves his due. He had a tackle for loss on the 49ers’ first drive, helping the Raiders hold the San Francisco starting offense to a field goal.

Robinson led a strong pass rush for Las Vegas and pressured Purdy into a second-quarter interception. He was a lock to make the roster coming into this game and his pass-rush ability provides key depth up front.

Winner: WR Tyreik McAllister

The Raiders have been looking for depth at wide receiver and McAllister made a statement on Friday night. A former star in the Canadian Football League, McAllister scored the Raiders first points of the night on an 81-yard punt return.

His touchdown catch was equally impressive, perhaps even more so. He made an athletic adjustment on a throw by QB Carter Bradley.

It’s hard to say whether McAllister will make the Raiders’ final cut. But his chances are certainly much higher after this performance.

Winner: DBs Sam Webb and Chris Smith II

The Raiders reserves had the last laugh against Purdy, who made his share of splash plays. On Purdy’s final snap of the game, pressure from Robinson forced a throw into tight coverage by Raiders cornerback Sam Webb. Webb tipped the ball in the air, and safety Chris Smith II was in perfect position to intercept the ball.

Winner: LB Amari Gainer

Linebacker Amari Gainer made his case to remain a Raider with his play on defense and special teams. He recorded an impressive special teams tackle early in the game and finished with more than 10 tackles on defense, including two tackles for loss. He had a late penalty for a hit to the head, but that hardly put a damper on his day.

Winner: WR Kristian Wilkerson

Though he didn’t have the day McAllister did, WR Kristian Wilkerson gave the Raiders brass more to think about on cut-down day with his touchdown grab from quarterback Nathan Peterman.

Loser: RB Dylan Laube

Rookie running back Dylan Laube got the starting nod on Friday and appeared primed for his breakout moment. For a minute, he did break out. But after several impressive plays, he was belted by a 49ers defender after a nice catch and run. He fumbled the football and didn’t see action at running back for the rest of the game.

Laube still got some touches on special teams, which probably helped sustain his confidence. He’ll need it if he wants to contribute to the Raiders offense this season.

Loser: WR Jalen Guyton

Wide receiver Jalen Guyton had to make an impact on Friday to make the roster, and while he had some key catches on the Raiders’ touchdown drive to close the first half, he was outdone by McAllister and Wilkerson.

This game was a reversal from the Raiders’ loss against the Cowboys last week when Las Vegas starters faced Dallas backups. The Raiders reserves responded, and now it’s time for coach Pierce and crew to shape their final roster. Soon enough, we’ll see what this Raiders team is really made of when they face the Chargers in Week 1.