Raiders training camp opens with rookies Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech arriving, but star DT Christian Wilkins lands on the PUP list. Get the latest on the news.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Football is officially back in Henderson. The Raiders' 2025 rookie class, led by high-profile picks Ashton Jeanty and Jack Bech, reported to training camp Thursday, bringing a fresh wave of energy and optimism for the new era under Head Coach Pete Carroll. But as the future checked in, a cloud of uncertainty formed over the present, with the team making a concerning announcement about its biggest defensive star.
The Raiders placed defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, who signed a four-year, $110 million contract last offseason, on the Physically Unable to Perform list.
The Intermountain Health Performance Center was buzzing with activity as the next generation of Raiders arrived to kick off training camp. First-round running back Ashton Jeanty and second-round receiver Jack Bech headlined a class expected to make an immediate impact. For fans, it's the first tangible sign of the new regime under GM John Spytek and Coach Pete Carroll, whose legendary energy is expected to permeate every drill. This isn't just the start of camp; it's the start of a new identity for the Silver and Black.
Adding to the positive momentum, the front office locked up a key piece of their draft class, agreeing to terms with WR Jack Bech on his rookie contract. The TCU product, taken 58th overall, is already penciled in to compete for a starting job. With his physicality and reputation as a stellar run-blocker, Bech brings a different dimension to a receiver room looking for a reliable #2 opposite Jakobi Meyers. Getting this deal done early signals the team's confidence and clears the path for him to focus solely on football.
Just as the rookie news brought excitement, the update on Christian Wilkins brought a dose of reality. The team announced Friday that the star defensive tackle will begin camp on the PUP list as he recovers from the Jones fracture that ended his 2024 season. While he can be activated at any point during camp, the move is a stark reminder of the long road back. If he remains on the list past the final roster cutdown, he'll miss at least the first four games of the regular season. For a defense counting on his disruptive presence, his health is the single biggest question mark heading into the year.
Even as the team prepares for the season, its impact on the city of Las Vegas continues to grow. A construction update video for the new Athletics baseball stadium, posted Friday, gave a shout-out to the Raiders and Allegiant Stadium. It's a small note, but it highlights how intertwined the Silver and Black have become with the fabric of the city, solidifying Vegas's identity as a premier professional sports hub.
With rookies in the building and veterans arriving Tuesday, the 2025 season is officially underway. The focus now shifts to the practice field. How quickly will rookies like Jeanty and Bech get up to speed? And all eyes will be on the sideline, waiting for any sign of progress from Christian Wilkins. The Pete Carroll era has begun with a mix of promise and concern, and the journey to the August 7 preseason opener against Seattle is sure to be a compelling one. Football is back, Raider Nation.
