Football

First joint practice together for Raiders’ Derek Carr and Davante Adams. How did it go?

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams makes a catch against the New England Patriots during a joint practice on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams makes a catch against the New England Patriots during a joint practice on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. RAIDERS

Raiders quarterback Derek Carr was pleased Tuesday morning how the first joint practice went against the New England Patriots.

Carr connected several times with his receivers, including a long touchdown pass to his best friend Davante Adams.

Just like old times for the duo who did plenty of that with Fresno State, leading Carr to reminisce.

“I had thoughts like remembering a play we did,” Carr said. “I’ve had those thoughts, but it’s different” now that he and Adams are together again for the first time since 2013.

Adams reportedly went 3 for 3 against Jalen Mills in 7 on 7 passing drills, and later even had a one-handed catch and kept his feet in-bounds for a touchdown.

Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams makes a one-handed catch during a joint practice with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams makes a one-handed catch during a joint practice with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. Matt Aguirre Raiders
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams practices during NFL training camp Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, in Henderson, Nev.
Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Davante Adams practices during NFL training camp Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022, in Henderson, Nev. John Locher AP

Carr said this was an important week for the Raiders.

“On the field is what matters,” Carr said. “We can talk about it all we want, but if we can’t do it against our defense or whoever comes into town, it’s a problem. So far, it’s been good. It’s been fun. (Adams) and I will be the first to tell you there’s things I’m used to doing and he’s used to doing that we’re finding that place in between, we’re still working. Nothing is promised, but we’ve been able to hit some big plays here and there. That is what this time is for. You hope there’s more positive plays that are correctable plays and so far it’s been a lot of fun.”

Las Vegas Raiders’ Derek Carr and Davante Adams discuss a play during a joint practice with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022.
Las Vegas Raiders’ Derek Carr and Davante Adams discuss a play during a joint practice with the New England Patriots on Tuesday, Aug. 23, 2022. Matt Aguirre Raiders

The Raiders and Patriots will complete joint practice on Wednesday in Henderson, Nev., before wrapping up the preseason at 5 p.m. Friday at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

Latest roster cuts

The Raiders trimmed their roster down to 80 with the latest cuts that included running back Kenyan Drake.

Drake joined the Raiders last season on a two-year, $11 million contract.

In 12 games, he had 63 carries for 254 yards and two touchdowns before he sustained an ankle injury that sidelined him for the rest of the season.

Cornerback Chris Jones was released and wide receiver Chris Lacy was waived.

Raiders cut last week were WR Demarcus Robinson, DT Vernon Butler, DE Gerri Green, T Tyrone Wheatley Jr. and CB Nate Brooks.

The final roster cut is set for 1 p.m. PDT Aug. 30 to get down to the initial 53-man roster.

This story was originally published August 23, 2022 at 3:16 PM.

Anthony Galaviz
The Fresno Bee
Anthony Galaviz writes about sports for The Fresno Bee. He covers the Las Vegas Raiders, high schools, boxing, MMA and junior colleges. He’s been with The Bee since 1997 and attended Fresno City College before graduating from Fresno State with a major in journalism and a minor in criminology. Support my work with a digital subscription
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