Raiders Opened Practice Window for Dont'e Thornton
The Las Vegas receiver has returned to the field after recovering from a hamstring injury.
Updated on Oct. 7, 2026 in Football
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The Las Vegas Raiders have officially opened a 21-day practice window for wide receiver Dont'e Thornton. The move marks his return following an injury sustained during training camp earlier this year.
Why it matters
Opening this window allows Thornton to practice with the team while the organization evaluates his health for a potential return to the active roster. This procedural step is required for players who were previously placed on injured reserve.
Thornton recorded 10 catches for 135 total receiving yards across 15 games during his 2025 rookie campaign. He is now entering a 21-day window to practice before the team must decide on his activation.
The players
Dont'e Thornton
He is a professional wide receiver for the Las Vegas Raiders who entered the league in 2025.
Klint Kubiak
He currently serves as the head coach for the Las Vegas Raiders professional football team.
Jackson Power-Johnson
He is an active player for the Las Vegas Raiders who resumed participation in team practices.
Jalen Nailor
He is a professional football player for the Las Vegas Raiders who did not participate in recent practices.
The details
Head coach Klint Kubiak confirmed the initiation of the practice window during a press conference. While Thornton returned to practice, teammate Jackson Power-Johnson also participated, whereas Jalen Nailor remained sidelined.
Timeline
Training camp occurred during 2026.
Dont'e Thornton played his rookie season in 2025.
The practice window for Dont'e Thornton opened on October 7, 2026.
Season Trajectory
This move follows the NFL's 21-day injured reserve practice window rules, which dictate how teams reintegrate injured players into their active rosters. Managing these windows is critical for the Raiders to maintain depth as they navigate the remainder of the competitive season.
Fantasy owners and observers should monitor Thornton's participation levels, as he has three weeks to be activated or remain on injured reserve for the rest of the season. His return potentially impacts the team's depth chart and rotation strategy for upcoming matchups.
The takeaway
The team has a strict 21-day timeline to assess whether the receiver can contribute on the field after his hamstring recovery. This move highlights the importance of managing recovery windows to ensure players are fully prepared for high-intensity competition.
Further reading
For more updates on the team, visit the Football section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by NBC Sports.
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