The Raiders have six inactives: quarterback Aidan O'Connell, receiver Tre Tucker, defensive end Chandler Jones, defensive tackle Nesta Jade Silvera, linebacker Amari Burney and safety Chris Smith.
Jones had already been ruled out Friday due to undisclosed personal reasons. The Raiders' active defensive ends against the Broncos will be Maxx Crosby, Malcolm Koonce, Tyree Wilson and Isaac Rochell.
Tucker being inactive is a surprise. It's no surprise that the 2023 third-round pick is behind Davante Adams, Jakobi Meyers and Hunter Renfrow in the receiver rotation, but he was expected to at least have a role as a backup receiver and returner in Week 1. Instead, the Raiders will lean on DeAndre Carter and Kristian Wilkerson for their depth at receiver. Carter brings additional value as their primary kick and punt returner while Wilkerson offers some more size, has positional versatility and is a capable run blocker.
O'Connell being the emergency quarterback means Brian Hoyer still has a hold on the backup job behind starter Jimmy Garoppolo. O'Connell thoroughly outplayed Hoyer in the preseason, but Hoyer's familiarity with McDaniels and experience are what give him the edge.
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