With playoff hopes fading, Las Vegas is looking to improve to 3-5 with a victory over a Jaguars team sitting at 4-3 and firmly in the AFC playoff hunt. This matchup will also feature the Raiders’ opponents showcasing two-way talent, as Travis Hunter takes the field for Jacksonville.
Ahead of the Week 9 game, Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty, who was in the same draft class as Hunter, spoke about facing the Jaguars star since he will see him on defense.
“He’s a great player, obviously dynamic, playing on both sides of the ball,” Jeanty told reporters on October 29. “A guy to look out for on offense and defense. But yeah, excited, regardless of who it is, and just excited to go out there and play another home game…
“[The Jaguars are] really good up front. They force a lot of turnovers, so we’ve got to take care of the ball. They have a great run defense — I think No. 7 in the league. We’ve got our challenges cut out for us.”
Pete Carroll Doesn’t Hold Back on Travis Hunter
Jeanty isn’t the only person within the Raiders organization who’s talking about facing the two-way standout. This week, head coach Pete Carroll shared his thoughts on facing Hunter.
“He’s not just a good fast kid that can play ball,” Carroll said on a recent episode of “1 on 1.” “He’s got great instincts. That’s why he could play on both sides of the football. I
“That’s the kind of guy who has the savvy and awareness that make him unique and special, and why they went so hard after getting him. He’s the centerpiece of their offense and, in particular, defense. Maybe they’re cutting back a little on that, but offensively, he did really well last week. He’s not just a catch guy; he’s a catch-and-run guy, and he blocks, too. He’s got a good mentality about him.”
Raiders Welcome New Offensive Player
Moreover, Jeanty will have a new teammate on the field for this game against the Jaguars. On October 27, Las Vegas announced the signing of veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who reunites with Carroll and quarterback Geno Smith.
Lockett started the 2025 NFL season with the Tennessee Titans but requested and was granted his release on October 20. Ahead of his potential Raiders debut, Carroll spoke about the arrival of the former
“High hopes for him and high hopes for us that we can make a good connection here,“ Carroll said. “It’s a lot to ask a guy to jump in and be a regular player in a
“He’s a marvelous football player and a tremendous person; he’s one of the real natural ball players—he’s got great sense and feel and has always demonstrated that. Geno knows him really well. They’ve played together for quite some time, and there’s a chemistry between them that
“We’ll see what happens and hold out good hopes for this to help us. I’m really excited for Tyler to be with us again, in a place where people love him, know who he is and what he’s all about, and hopefully our fans will be able to see that.”
