The Alameda kid is coming back home.
Wide receiver Keelan Doss is returning to the Raiders after a week away on the Jacksonville Jaguars' practice squad, a league source told NBC Sports Bay Area on Sunday, to take the roster spot vacated by Antonio Brown’s release. The Raiders confirmed the transaction Monday.
NFL Network's Mike Garafolo was first to report the news, and Doss later confirmed it on Twitter on Sunday night.
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The Raiders reached out to Jacksonville about Doss on Saturday, but the Jaguars guaranteed a league minimum salary for him to remain on their practice squad. The Raiders upped their offer with a $300,000 signing bonus and a fully guaranteed $495,000 base salary. Add that to the $22,500 signing bonus earned as an undrafted free agent, and Doss has made a handsome sum this summer.
It’s uncertain, though it seems highly unlikely, that Doss will be able to play Monday night against the Denver Broncos.
Doss spent the offseason program and preseason with the Raiders, productive periods that ultimately didn’t land him a roster spot. He was part of the Raiders' final cuts, much to the chagrin of a fan base that grew attached to him this summer.
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Doss was heavily featured on this season of “Hard Knocks” as a local kid and UC Davis native, and backed that angle with a string of strong preseason performances.
While Nick Foles being hurt in Sunday's season opener didn’t help Jacksonville’s outlook, Doss coming back to Oakland puts a lot more money in his pocket and gives him an opportunity to make an instant impact this season.
The Raiders need a 'Z' receiver with Brown now a New England Patriot. Ryan Grant and J.J. Nelson – who is questionable for Monday's game with an ankle injury -- should fill that role against the Broncos. Nelson was solid there before being hurt.
Doss is a versatile player who can play every receiver position, and he gives the Raiders a sixth receiver on the roster. He needs to develop in several areas, but he's a solid talent with room to grow.
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The Raiders were disappointed they couldn't land Doss on their practice squad after final cuts, although coach Jon Gruden said the receiver didn’t make as positive an impression as it appeared on “Hard Knocks.”
“That was your storyline,” Gruden said on Sept. 2. “That wasn’t my storyline, just so we’re on the same page. He did a heck of a job. We tried to keep him on practice squad. He felt like he had a better opportunity to make the team in Jacksonville. You hate to see him go, but we’re happy for his future. ...
"[Doss was] in a tough spot. He’s a big story on the TV show, but that’s not the reality that we saw on tape.”