The Las Vegas Raiders will host the San Francisco 49ers for a joint practice in Henderson on Thursday. It’ll serve as an appetizer to Saturday’s Week 2 preseason contest. With joint practices often being more telling than exhibition contests, we’ve identified three Raiders who need to shine in Thursday’s shared session with the 49ers.
QB Aidan O’Connell
Backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell struggled in Week 1 of the preseason versus the Seattle Seahawks, throwing two interceptions. Rumors are the veteran signal-caller is on the trade block thanks to the emergence of rookie Cam Miller. O’Connell needs to bounce back versus the 49ers, either to increase his stock, or to continue battling with Miller for the QB2 job.
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IOL Jordan Meredith
The Raiders are making the somewhat unpopular decision to start Jordan Meredith at center. Doing so moves Jackson Powers-Johnson to right guard. The feedback is split between the fanbase, who got used to watching Powers-Johnson perform admirably at center. The 49ers have a quality defensive line, so Meredith has an opportunity to prove he belongs in the starting lineup.
DL Tonka Hemingway
Fourth-round rookie Tonka Hemingway played well versus the Seahawks. The former South Carolina standout recorded three combined tackles and a batted pass. Hemingway also clogged up rushing lanes and freed up his teammates to make plays. Another strong week could help the first-year defender make headway in the competition for snaps across the defensive line.
This article originally appeared on Raiders Wire: 3 Raiders who need a good joint practice versus 49ers