The Las Vegas Raiders and Houston Texans just wrapped up a joint practice and preseason game, but the latter team didn’t come out unscathed. Wide receiver Jayden Higgins tore his ACL and will be out for the season.
That’s a big blow, as Higgins is an emerging young player. However, the Texans were quick to make a couple of moves. The team announced they signed Sterling Shepard and former Raiders wide receiver Zay Jones.
Jones spent three seasons with the Raiders, starting 18 games for the team. He was a key player during their 2021 playoff run and had 47 catches for 546 yards.
He first came into the NFL as a second-round pick of the Buffalo Bills, but took a few years to find his footing. He spent the last two years with the Arizona Cardinals, but only had a combined 20 catches. Jones won’t put up huge numbers, but he could be a dependable No. 3 or No. 4 wide receiver for the Texans.
Klint Kubiak Calls Out Raiders WRs
The Raiders are far from settled at wide receiver. Nobody has stepped up to prove they are the WR1 this offseason.
Against the Texans, it was a struggle for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza to find open wide receivers. Head coach Klint Kubiak hasn’t been impressed and called out the team’s wide receivers.
“I learned a lot in that we need to get a lot better fast,” Kubiak told reporters. “We took a step backwards. Doesn’t mean we can’t go forward, but right now, we are trying to find someone that is accountable and can help us on Sunday. Still looking.”
Kubiak Talks Mendoza & Aidan O’Connell
Mendoza struggled at times against the Texans. He missed some passes and threw a pick-six, which is a problem. That said, Kubiak didn’t think he played poorly.
“I was pleased with watching the tape. I really like what he did on third down,” Kubiak said. “We were only 1-of-5 on third down in the first half. However, we did drop the ball twice, and we threw one short of the sticks on third and long. He had really good ball placement on the first third down of the game with a guy in his face. So, in the critical downs, I thought he was playing his best. There are things that we must get corrected that will be addressed ASAP.”
Third-string quarterback Aidan O’Connell came in and led the Raiders to a comeback win. Kubiak also liked what he saw from the veteran.
“I think we’ve said all offseason how much we value Aidan, and what a heck of a second half. He goes out and leads us to 19-point half and two 90-plus yard drives in the fourth quarter. He did it with his teammates, but he was a big part of it and was very happy for him.”
O’Connell had a rough first preseason game, which may have put him on the roster bubble, but his improved play against the Texans could convince the Raiders keep three quarterbacks on the roster.
Former Starting Raiders WR Signs With Texans After Preseason Matchup