BREAKING NEWS:Raiders Place QB Carter Bradley on Injured Reserve, Add…
In a series of key roster moves on Monday, the Las Vegas Raiders announced that they have placed quarterback Carter Bradley on injured reserve (IR) and activated running back Zamir White from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. The decisions highlight the team’s efforts to manage their roster effectively as they navigate a season filled with challenges and injuries.
**Carter Bradley’s Placement on Injured Reserve**
Carter Bradley, the rookie quarterback who had been a member of the Raiders’ practice squad since late September, has now been placed on IR. The injury that led to Bradley’s IR designation has not been officially disclosed, but sources suggest that it is a lower-body issue that requires extended recovery time.
Bradley, who had been considered a developmental prospect by the Raiders’ coaching staff, was initially signed as an undrafted free agent following a strong college career at South Alabama. Although he was not expected to play a major role in 2024, his placement on IR signifies the team’s concern over his ability to contribute this season. As a result, Bradley will miss the remainder of the year while he focuses on his rehabilitation.
While Bradley had been impressing coaches during practice sessions, it is clear that the Raiders did not anticipate needing to activate him for game-day action in the short term. His role on the practice squad allowed the team to work with him behind the scenes, but with the injury sustained, his development will now take a backseat for the remainder of the season.
“We were really excited about Carter’s potential,” said Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels. “He’s shown a lot of promise in practice, but unfortunately, injuries are part of the game. We’ll continue to support him as he gets healthy and look forward to his development moving forward.”
With Bradley now on IR, the Raiders are left with veteran quarterbacks Jimmy Garoppolo and Brian Hoyer on the active roster. Garoppolo, the presumed starter, has faced some criticism for his performance in 2024, and the backup role is currently filled by Hoyer, who brings a wealth of experience but may not have the upside the team is looking for in the long run. With Bradley sidelined, the Raiders will continue to move forward with their current quarterback depth.
**Zamir White’s Activation from PUP List**
In a more positive turn of events, the Raiders have activated running back Zamir White from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, adding him back to the active roster. White, who was originally placed on the PUP list during training camp due to an undisclosed injury, has now been cleared for practice and is expected to contribute immediately to the team’s backfield.
White, a second-year running back out of Georgia, was considered one of the most promising young players in the Raiders’ offense last season. Despite being a backup to star running back Josh Jacobs, White showed flashes of explosive playmaking ability, averaging 4.3 yards per carry on his 30 attempts in 2023. White also proved to be a solid asset in short-yardage and goal-line situations, where his physical running style allowed him to gain tough yards when needed.
The 6-foot, 214-pound White adds depth to a Raiders running back room that has been heavily reliant on Jacobs. While Jacobs remains the clear workhorse, the activation of White will allow the Raiders to give him occasional rest and help shoulder the load over the course of the season. Additionally, White’s ability to contribute as a pass catcher out of the backfield could make him a versatile weapon in the Raiders’ offense, especially as they work to find balance in their ground game.
“We’re thrilled to have Zamir back,” McDaniels said. “He brings a lot of toughness, explosiveness, and a lot of versatility. With Josh handling the bulk of the workload, Zamir will give us another option in the backfield. We’re excited to see what he can do now that he’s healthy and ready to go.”
White’s return is crucial as the Raiders look to maintain a balanced offense in 2024. Jacobs, who led the NFL in rushing yards last season, has faced some struggles in the early part of the current campaign, partly due to the Raiders’ offensive line’s inconsistent performance. With White’s return, the team hopes to keep Jacobs fresh while providing additional punch from the backfield.
**Impact on the Raiders’ Roster and Season Outlook**
The moves made by the Raiders demonstrate the team’s ongoing effort to balance both the present and future needs of the roster. While the loss of Carter Bradley to injury is a setback for his development, the addition of Zamir White to the active roster provides a boost to a position that was beginning to lack depth. The Raiders have been hit hard by injuries in 2024, and White’s return is one of the few positive stories coming out of a difficult stretch.
White’s role in the offense will likely grow as he gets more acclimated to game action, but the real challenge will be how the team adapts to the loss of Bradley and continues to support Garoppolo, who has had an up-and-down performance so far. The Raiders’ offense, while talented on paper, has yet to fully find its rhythm, and having both White and Jacobs active should allow for greater versatility.
For the rest of the season, the Raiders will need to find a way to make the most of their backfield depth and quarterback room. With Garoppolo continuing to battle inconsistency, the team may rely on a more balanced attack with an emphasis on the running game to help control the tempo of games. White’s return adds much-needed support, and his health moving forward could be a key factor in the Raiders’ playoff aspirations.
**Conclusion**
As the 2024 season progresses, the Las Vegas Raiders continue to manage their roster with an eye on both the present and the future. The placement of Carter Bradley on injured reserve marks a setback for the team’s quarterback depth, but the addition of Zamir White to the active roster is a clear step forward for the running back position. With key players like Jacobs and White now in the mix, the Raiders will look to build a more balanced and dynamic offense that can compete in a tough AFC West.
The next few weeks will be crucial as the team works to stay competitive and find the right combinations of players who can help them push toward a potential playoff berth. With injuries continuing to be a factor, the Raiders will need to make the most of the available talent on the roster to succeed in the challenging weeks ahead.