Dont’e Thornton is one step closer to returning to the field. The Raiders second-year wide receiver returned to practice today, according to the team’s website.
Thornton landed on IR during final roster cuts after suffering a hamstring injury during training camp. That means he’s eligible to be activated at any time, but since the Raiders now have 21 days to add him to the roster, there’s a good chance they’ll slow play his return.
“I just want to go out there, play football, have fun and help my team be the best they can be,” Thornton said today. “So, whatever that calls for from this team, that’s what I’m going to do.”
The Raiders selected the Tennessee product in the fourth round of the 2025 draft. He got plenty of run as a rookie, starting eight of his 15 appearances. However, his counting stats were limited, as he finished the year with only 10 catches for 135 yards.
Thornton could easily carve out a role in this year’s Raiders offense. The team’s current WR depth consists of Tre Tucker, Jalen Nailor, Cody White, Dareke Young, and sixth-round rookie Malik Benson. The team is also stashing Phillip Dorsett, Deven Thompkins, and Tyler Scott on the practice squad.
