The Las Vegas Raiders hope Sunday was a wakeup call for one of their rookies.
The Raiders entered the regular season with high hopes for Thornton, literally and figuratively. The physically gifted wide receiver showed potential as a potential deep threat for Geno Smith and the Raiders’ offense. However, Thornton was ruled inactive in Week 9.
Following Sunday’s loss, Raiders Head Coach Pete Carroll explained the move.
Las Vegas Raiders Pete Carroll / Darrell Craig Harris, On SI
“I wanted to see what Tyler [Lockett] would do. I wanted to get him on the field, see what would happen, and it’s his spot. Because of special teams, not enough contribution, he had to go down on this one. It’s just one week. We’ll see what happens next week,” Carroll said.
Thornton not playing against the Jaguars was undoubtedly telling, as he was a vital part of the Raiders’ offseason preparation. Luckily for Thornton, he does not have to wait long to get back into the swing of things with Las Vegas playing on Thursday night.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Dont’e Thornton Jr. (10) reacts as Indianapolis Colts cornerback Mekhi Blackmon (29) intercepts a pass Sunday, Oct. 5, 2025, during a game at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Raiders 40-6. / Christine Tannous/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Heading into the Raiders’ Week 10 matchup against the Broncos, Carroll confirmed that Thornton will be back in the lineup. Carroll also noted what he hopes to see from the rookie wide receiver when he returns to action. Las Vegas’ offense needs everyone to step up now that Meyers is gone.
“I want him to just play football. Just keep growing. He’s growing every day we’re together. He gains more experience and more confidence to do things exactly the way we want him to. He always has played hard, and we’re just counting on him to just keep going,” Carroll said.
“This is a great chance for him to answer. It’s a great chance for Lock [Tyler Lockett] to go ahead and answer, too, and help us out. And it’ll be spread across the board. But I’m anxious for D [Dont’e Thornton Jr.] to be up. I did not like not having him last week.”
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