HENDERSON, Nev. — The final game week of the 2025 NFL Preseason for the Las Vegas Raiders continues on, as the team prepares to set out for a date with the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium on Saturday. Pete Carroll and John Spytek have some tough decisions to make regarding the 53-man roster and potential cuts, including some that will almost certainly be deliberated until the final moments. 

Carroll spoke to the media after the Raiders’ outdoor practice on Wednesday. The overwhelming theme of Carroll’s dialogue was competition, but he also touched on a few key points and concerns for the team ahead of their final preseason tilt. Kyu Blu Kelly, who has emerged in competition for the starting nickel back position, was absent from practice with what Carroll explained was a minor hamstring situation.

“Just felt his hamstring a little bit,” Carroll said. “It isn’t a pull necessarily, but he felt it enough that as soon as we get those messages, we stop the guy. We don’t want to get to the next level too fast.”

Running back Raheem Mostert was also absent from practice to tend to a family matter, which Carroll understandably offered no comment or speculation on. 

With over 40 years of experience as an NFL head coach, Carroll knows how nerve-wracking the final game of the preseason can be for a fringe player who might be getting his very last chance at the dream of playing professional football. 

“I want to see them to go out knowing that there’s a lot on the line for them, and play like they’re capable,” Carroll said. “I don’t want them to do anything crazy. I don’t want them to try to be like somebody else. I want them to be the best version of themselves in the face of all that may be built up in their minds”

For the players who aren’t lucky enough to make the 53-man roster? Carroll makes sure to level with them so they understand exactly why they weren’t selected for at that particular moment. 

“I try to come as clear to them as I can. Tell them exactly what took place and why and give them good reason, because I know as soon as they walk out that door, their mind is going a million miles an hour, and they’re trying to figure out why, what can I do, what’s next and what’s going on, and I feel for every one of them.”

Star defensive end Tyree Wilson spoke about his coach’s standard of competition in the locker room and how it has helped him identify every slight advantage to become one of the top edge rushers in the NFL.

“Man, it ain’t just competing against another guy, it’s competing with yourself,” Wilson said. “I always try to break down the film and find something that you could get better the next day. And then challenge the players across from you to make the offense better. And then you’re coming back to be better and make the whole defense better. It’s always trying to find little things, whether it be pad level, hands, technique, anything to get better so this team goes further.”

Perhaps the most significant update from Carroll on Wednesday was that the starters will, in fact, get some reps against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.