Justin

Shorter

We don’t know how much future there is to reserve for the 33-year-old (happy birthday!), but the Raiders are here for it. The Raiders also signed RB Chris Collier, G McClendon Curtis, LB Jamin Davis, DT Treven Ma’ae, T Joshua Miles, TE Albert Okwuegbunam (remember him?), WR Brenden Rice, G Layden Robinson, WR Justin Shorter, OL Laki Tasi, and T Dalton Wagner to reserve/future deals.

Shorter was added to the Raiders’ practice squad last week after being waived during final roster cutdowns. A former fifth-round pick of the Bills back in 2023, Shorter appeared in six games for the Raiders last season while playing primarily on special teams. The decision to sign him to the active roster comes a day after Amari Cooper abruptly announced his retirement. Shorter doesn’t have any fantasy value at this time and is far from a lock to stick on the roster throughout the season.

Miller finished with a 38.8 PFF offense grade for his 80 preseason snaps at quarterback. It would be surprising if the Raiders turned to him at any point this season, but perhaps he can take a step forward and show more next preseason. Also joining the Las Vegas practice squad are: WR Alex Bachman, RB Chris Collier, S Terrell Edmunds, DE Jahfari Harvey, WR Shedrick Jackson, LB Matt Jones, DT Treven Ma’ae, G Atonio Mafi, TE Albert Okwuegbunam Jr., TE Carter Runyon, WR Justin Shorter, OL Laki Tasi, S Trey Taylor, CB Greedy Vance, T Dalton Wagner and S JT Woods.

Miller was the Raiders’ sixth-round pick, and it seems very likely that the signal-caller will be back with Las Vegas on their practice squad. Tommy Mellott — a former college quarterback who is making the move to wide receiver — was also part of the cuts for the Raiders. The full list of players who won’t make the 53-man roster: aived DT Zach Carter, RB Chris Collier, DE Jahfari Harvey, WR Shedrick Jackson, LB Matt Jones, DT Treven Ma’ae, G Atonio Mafi, RB Sincere McCormick, DE Ovie Oghoufo, TE Carter Runyon, WR Justin Shorter, OL Laki Tasi, S Trey Taylor, CB Greedy Vance, T Dalton Wagner and S JT Woods, WR Alex Bachman, S Terrell Edmunds and TE Albert Okwuegbunam while Lonnie Johnson Jr. was placed on the injured list and designated for return.

Bryant, the team’s No. 3 TE, and No. 4 TE Justin Shorter (illness) were both unable to practice on Wednesday but, fortunately, No. 2 TE Michael Mayer (personal) returned to play in Week 11 after an extended absence. Mayer’s presence helps negate concern over depth.

Shorter entered the league as a wide receiver in the 2023 NFL draft but the Raiders notably list him as a tight end in the practice squad transaction. At 6-foot-4, 223 pounds, he is unlikely to contribute much as a blocker. The Raiders’ crowded tight end room also makes it unlikely Shorter contributes much as a receiver either.

Shorter managed just two catches for 15 yards in two preseason games and didn’t make much of an impact in training camp. The 2023 fifth round pick will look to catch on with another team’s practice squad in the coming weeks.

Shorter caught 5-of-6 yards for 47 yards and a score in Saturday’s preseason game against the Steelers. “Shorter has improved dramatically from the start of camp and would be at legitimate risk of getting claimed on waivers,” Buscaglia believes. It is worth taking note of in a receiver corps low on intriguing talent behind Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. This coaching staff has never been shy about giving rookie wideouts reps. Perhaps Shorter could earn some 2023 targets.

Shorter transferred to Florida in 2020 after spending two seasons at Penn State. With ideal height and a 4.55 40-time, Shorter has the size and physique to stretch the field and win in contested situations. He never fully broke out at Florida, topping out at 577 receiving yards in his final season, but averaged an impressive 19.9 YPR in his only season under head coach Billy Napier. He could develop into a physical presence in the red zone but will need to polish his overall game if he hopes to be a consistent contributor on offense.

Shorter (6'5"/228) left the Gasparilla Bowl with a scary looking injury and had to be carted off the field. He was recently released from the hospital and will make a full recovery according to a statement released by his family. It’s great news for Shorter and the Gators. Shorter also recently announced he will return for the 2022 season, which they need with Jacob Copeland transferring out.