The Las Vegas Raiders are beginning he practice week for Sunday’s home game against the Los Angeles Rams without starting defensive tackle Tonka Hemingway.
Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak said the 2025 fourth-round is still in the NFL’s concussion protocol. He was hurt in Week 5 and he didn’t play in a Week 6 loss to the Buffalo Bills. Monday, Kubiak said he was expecting Hemingway back in practice this week. If he returns to practice by Friday, he can still have a chance to face the Rams.
Hemingway has been the Raiders’ snap leader at defensive tackle. He averaged playing 62 percent of the snaps in the four games he was fully healthy for. Foley Fatukasi started in place of Hemingway against the Bills.
Meanwhile, Kubiak said second-year wide receiver Dont’e Thornton has a chance to be activated from the injured reserve this week, but the coach indicated Thornton has to show he’s ready. He must be activated by next week or he would be out for the season.
Kubiak also said there will be competition on the offensive line again this week. Caleb Rogers replaced Jackson Powers-Johnson in Week 6.
According to NFL.com, several Raiders were limited in practice Wednesday. They included tight end Brock Bowers (hamstring/calf), running back Mike Washington (foot/back), tackle Kolton Miller (shoulder) and linebacker Quay Walker (chest). Often, players are limited on Wednesdays, but progress through the week.