Brief

Raiders open practice window for WR Dont’e Thornton Jr. amid receiver injuries

Thornton Jr. can practice after a month on injured reserve, but must still be cleared before playing against New England.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 08 Oct 2026 04:42:04 GMT

The Las Vegas Raiders announced on Oct. 7 that wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr., who began the season on injured reserve, has had his practice window opened, creating a possible boost for a receiving group hit by injuries.

With Jack Bech on injured reserve and Jalen Nailor still sidelined after a concussion in Week 4, the Raiders have limited healthy options at wide receiver. The team now has 21 days to evaluate Thornton in practice before deciding whether to add him to the active roster. Activation before the window expires is allowed, but practice alone does not guarantee his availability for the upcoming game against the New England Patriots.

Thornton, a former Tennessee standout who logged 26 catches for 661 yards and six touchdowns in his final college season, must prove he can handle practice demands, execute assignments and develop timing with quarterback Kirk Cousins to earn snaps.

Key facts

Dont’e Thornton Jr. was placed on injured reserve at the start of the 2026 season. (nypost.com)
His practice window opened on Oct. 7, giving the Raiders 21 days to evaluate him. (nypost.com)
The Raiders’ receiving corps is short on healthy players, with Jack Bech on IR and Jalen Nailor recovering from a concussion. (nypost.com)
Thornton caught 26 passes for 661 yards and six touchdowns in his final college season at Tennessee. (nypost.com)