Las Vegas Raiders rookie defensive tackle Tim Keenan III will be elevated from the practice squad to the game-day roster for a third consecutive week for Sunday's game against the San Francisco 49ers. The 6-foot-2, 320-pound Alabama product recorded his first career sack against the New York Jets, celebrating with a dance and his fraternity's hand sign.
Keenan's NFL journey has been uneven. Selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the seventh round of the April draft, he did not make their roster out of training camp after Aaron Donald came out of retirement. After being released from the Rams' practice squad, Keenan signed with Las Vegas.
The Birmingham, Alabama native redshirted at Alabama and barely played as a freshman while listed at 343 pounds. He eventually shed weight and became a force for the Crimson Tide, with coach Kalen DeBoer noting he was "spiritually leading our team." Keenan said he handles roster uncertainty by controlling what he can and citing Philippians 4:12: "I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty."
"If you get your strength from your circumstances, you'll forever be on an emotional roller coaster," Keenan said. "I'm content with the Lord." He called his release by the Rams a "blessing in disguise" and said he learned from players like Myles Garrett and Poona Ford during his brief time in Los Angeles.
Keenan said he is giving the Raiders "all I got" and expressed excitement about sharing a meeting room with star defensive end Maxx Crosby. If the Raiders want Keenan to play after Sunday's game, he will need to be promoted to the 53-man roster.
Sources: Las Vegas Review-Journal
Original reporting: Las Vegas Review-Journal →
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