ALAMEDA –- Every Raider waived on Saturday afternoon walked across the wire unclaimed. That left the Silver and Black with options to sign any of those players to a 10-man practice squad starting on Sunday morning.
The team announced it's practice squad on Monday afternoon. Here's the full list.
1. DE Max Valles: The talented, yet raw sixth-round pick was waived on Saturday but, according to a league source, has returned to the Raiders on the practice squad. He signed with the team on Sunday. Valles is a developmental prospect with real upside. He has a room to bulk up on what is a 6-foot-4, 250-pound frame. He’s a speed rusher that needs time to progress. He’ll be able to do that on the practice squad.
2. DT Leon Orr: The Florida alum returns to the practice squad as expected. He stood out early in training camp but got lost in the shuffle of a talented group of interior linemen. He’s someone who could step onto the 53-man roster and provide in-game depth in a pinch.
3. S Tevin McDonald: McDonald played significant snaps during the preseason and looked good doing it. The Raiders added him to the practice squad, as originally reported by the Fresno Bee.
4. QB Garrett Gilbert: Gilbert has bounced around on practice squads after being drafted in the sixth-round of the 2014 draft by the St. Louis Rams. He was waived by the Detroit Lions this preseason, and ended up in Oakland. His agent revealed the news on Twitter.
5. CB SaQwan Edwards: The undrafted rookie made the initial 53-man, but was quickly cut for safety Keenan Lambert. He landed on the practice squad after a strong preseason.
6. RB George Atkinson III: Atkinson III earns a practice-squad spot over Michael Dyer as a solid special teams player. That was an area where Dyer didn't stand out. Atkinson III have ball security issues that must be rectified if he is to be used in real games.
7. OG Mitch Bell: Bell is built like a Raiders offensive guard at 345 pounds. He seemed to struggle in the preseason, especially in the exhibition finale, but the Raiders want to keep him around.
8. DE Shelby Harris: Harris is eligible to join the practice squad for a second straight season. He spent most of the year on that unit, but joining the 53-man roster for the regular-season finale. Harris made some plays this preseason and had a shot to make the 53-man roster. He'll be available should injuries strike up front.
9. LB Josh Shirley: The undrafted rookie is an aggressive pass rusher unafraid to make a big hit. The Raiders like him as a linebacker and an occasional end. This is a player with upside.
10. OT Dan Kistler: The Montana alum spent last season on the Raiders practice squad, and returns for a second stint. He'll get more seasoning, and could be a regular-season addition if shaky offensive tackle depth doesn't hold up.
Note: Check back for info on players signed to the practice squad as their names become public. There are six more slots left.
