Raiders Release Phillip Dorsett Ahead of Runyon Move
Las Vegas cut the 33-year-old receiver, who had been on its practice squad since September, to re-sign tight end Carter Runyon.
Updated on Nov. 7, 2026 in Football
The Las Vegas Raiders released wide receiver Phillip Dorsett on Friday, November 6, and re-signed tight end Carter Runyon to the practice squad. Dorsett, 33, had been on the practice squad since September 29 and has not played in a regular-season game since 2023.
Why it matters
The move reflects how tightly Las Vegas is managing its practice squad slots, with Dorsett's release a direct result of the roster shuffle that also temporarily cost Runyon his spot. Dorsett returns to free agency, leaving his path back to an NFL roster uncertain.
Dorsett's production peaked during his three seasons in New England, where he totaled 73 catches for 881 yards and eight touchdowns. His last NFL action came with Denver in 2023, when he appeared in two games without a reception.
The players
Las Vegas Raiders
The NFL franchise based in Las Vegas that made the roster moves involving Dorsett and Runyon.
Phillip Dorsett
A veteran NFL wide receiver who spent three seasons with the New England Patriots and won a Super Bowl LIII title with them.
Carter Runyon
A tight end whose practice squad re-signing by the Raiders followed his clearing of waivers.
The details
The Raiders released Cody White on Wednesday and activated him Thursday, which cost Runyon his practice squad spot. Runyon cleared waivers Friday, allowing Las Vegas to re-sign him, and Dorsett was released to make room.
Timeline
September 2017: Indianapolis traded Dorsett to the New England Patriots.
2018 postseason: Dorsett scored touchdowns in the Patriots' playoff run.
2023: Dorsett played his last regular-season games with the Denver Broncos.
September 29: The Raiders signed Dorsett to their practice squad.
Friday, November 6: The Raiders released Dorsett and re-signed Runyon.
Season Trajectory
Dorsett's release comes years after his 2017 trade from Indianapolis to New England, when he was a regular contributor to a Patriots team that reached and won Super Bowl LIII. His current status as a practice squad release shows how far his role has fallen from that championship run.
Fantasy managers who had Dorsett as a depth option will need to remove him from watch lists. Runyon's return to the practice squad keeps a tight end available for Las Vegas as it balances its roster.
The takeaway
Practice squad moves can shift quickly, so players on these rosters often face sudden releases tied to other roster decisions. Readers following a player should watch for free-agent signings as the best sign of his next opportunity.
Further reading
For more roster and transaction context, explore our Football coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
