{"numbering":"asc","slides":[{"index":1,"title":"Raiders return home","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/1_129.jpg","caption":"

The third exhibition game is often called a regular-season dress rehearsal, when starters play extended snaps. Head coach Jack Del Rio says his front lines will play the first half of Saturday’s home game against the Tennessee Titans, possibly into the third quarter. That should provide a good look at players who will be featured in the regular season, quite possibly the last for top players who will barely touch the field, if at all, in the preseason finale... -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":3,"title":"10) DL Denico Autry ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/2_128.jpg","caption":"

Autry is the likeliest candidate to replace injured defensive end Mario Edwards Jr. while he recovers from a hip strain. Autry has looked rusty after missing the offseason program with a wrist injury, but has the talent to excel on this defensive line as a run defender and interior pass rusher. A nice showing against Tennessee would give coaches confidence he can be the primary option in Edwards Jr.’s spot. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":5,"title":"9) WR Seth Roberts ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/3_124.jpg","caption":"

Jack Del Rio was asked about his primary slot receiver this week, and said Roberts has been average this preseason. He needs to be more than that in a key role, one he took ownership of last year and recorded 480 yards and five touchdowns. Maybe Del Rio’s assessment was a motivational tactic, but some consistent play would help build momentum toward the regular season for a guy the Raiders will count on in 2016. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":7,"title":"8) LB Shilique Calhoun ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/4_120.jpg","caption":"

The third-round rookie from Michigan State has adjusted well to a somewhat new position at strongside linebacker. He’s primarily an edge rusher, but needs to cover and defend the run well from that spot. His run defense remains a work in progress, and some improvement in that area against a physical Tennessee rushing attack would show growth for a player expected to be the team’s primary backup edge rusher. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":9,"title":"7) RT Austin Howard ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/5_113.jpg","caption":"

Howard has largely played with the second unit this preseason, seemingly behind Menelik Watson in the battle to start at right tackle. Last year’s primary right tackle has received some first-unit repetitions, and his snap count and performance with the top group must be high to close the gap on Watson. Losing that battle would mean Howard becomes the swing tackle, playing outside the starting lineup for the first time since 2011. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":11,"title":"6) S Nate Allen ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/6_94.jpg","caption":"

The veteran safety should play a long time on Saturday, and is expected to start at free safety for injured starter Reggie Nelson. This will be a good tune-up for Allen, a starter his entire career, who is expected to provide depth at both safety spots. He’s had a solid preseason and could be a real asset in a reserve role, something the Raiders longed for last season when he was supposed to start opposite Charles Woodson and spent most of 2015 hobbled by knee troubles. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":13,"title":"5) TE Clive Walford ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/7_60.jpg","caption":"

The second-year pro has methodically worked through the preseason healthy after missing the offseason program with a knee injury suffered in an ATV accident. The Raiders need him to be a factor in the middle of the field, and show strong chemistry with quarterback Derek Carr. The pair haven’t hooked up much this preseason, and Saturday’s extended playing stretch could provide a golden opportunity to help hardwire their connection before the regular season. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":15,"title":"4) DT Dan Williams ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/8_52.jpg","caption":"

The veteran interior defensive lineman played better and longer in the second preseason game, a sign that Williams is rounding into regular season shape. He still plays with the second unit, but should rotate in with starters on Saturday. Tennessee has a pair of solid rushers Williams can help contain with solid push in the middle, in situations where he’s at his best. If linebackers are free to tackle inside near the line of scrimmage, that means Williams is doing his job. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":17,"title":"3) RB Jalen Richard","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/9_44.jpg","caption":"

The undrafted rookie’s preseason debut has been receiving serious hype after offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said he was doing “spectacular” things in practice before suffering a knee injury. The Raiders really like Richard, and will give him some first-team work in addition to reps later in the day. He’s still fighting for a roster spot, though cutting him seems unlikely, and can help secure one with some runs similar to those made in training camp. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":19,"title":"2) LB Ben Heeney","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/10_51.jpg","caption":"

The starting middle linebacker took some flak for his part in Green Bay’s rushing success last week, where the Packers dominated on the interior. Heeney wasn’t that bad -- he was credited with two missed tackles against Green Bay – and remains the primary interior linebacker option alongside Malcolm Smith. A solid performance against the run would quell fan fears regarding a player the Raiders will count on in an important role. -- Scott Bair

"},{"index":21,"title":"1) QB Derek Carr ","image":"https://www.nbcsports.com/sites/rsnunited/files/archive/assets_media_gallery/bayarea/2016/08/26/11_33.jpg","caption":"

The starting quarterback has been tinkering with things over the first two exhibition games, experimenting in games that don’t matter much. His first-team offense has made some nice plays, but hasn’t put together a complete drive in a preseason game. Adding a touchdown drive or two on Saturday -- Carr hasn’t thrown a preseason touchdown since 2014 -- would put a bow on a solid month’s work for what could be an explosive offense. -- Scott Bair

"}]}

Ten players to watch in Raiders' preseason game vs Titans