Raiders rookie returns from absence with new goal to chase

Las Vegas Raiders rookie Treydan Stukes has returned to practice after missing last week’s game in New Orleans with a concussion and says he is eager to chase down fellow rookie Hezekiah Masses for the team lead in interceptions. “I’m going to have to try to chase him down,” laughed Stukes, whose interception in the opener was the Raiders’ first forced turnover of the year. “We’re chasing the takeaways for sure.” Stukes described feeling frustrated about being sidelined but emphasized his commitment to recovery. “It’s been a little frustrating because I want to be out there trying to help the team win by really being on the field,” he said. “But injuries are part of a contact sport, and I’m going to be smart with my head and trust the docs. But yeah, looking forward to getting back out there.” The Raiders did not have their full roster available at Wednesday’s practice. While Stukes participated fully, backup quarterback Aidan O’Connell remains away from the team following the death of his father, and starting defender Jackson Powers‑Johnson sat out with a groin injury that kept him out of the fourth quarter against the Chargers. Coach Klint Kubiak said he expects O’Connell to return at some point this week, though he could not give a definite timeline for Powers‑Johnson. “We’ll just keep getting him healthy and hope to get him to some form reps this week so he can play,” Kubiak said. Stukes spent last week working through the NFL’s concussion protocol and has now been cleared. A second‑round pick, he played every defensive snap in his NFL debut versus the Miami Dolphins, recording his first career interception. He was on pace to duplicate that feat before the concussion against the Los Angeles Chargers sidelined him. Masses has intercepted three passes over the past two weeks, giving Stukes a clear target to pursue. “I’m super blessed for him,” Stukes said of Masses. “But none of us are surprised because that’s what he’s been doing since we got here. It’s really cool to see his hard work paying off in big‑time moments.” Watching the game from the sideline last week provided Stukes with a new viewpoint. “Sometimes when you’re out there, the game is moving really fast and you don’t get to see all the details,” he said. “But when you get that sideline perspective, you get to see it from a different viewpoint and it kind of slows down in a way. I’m looking forward to seeing if that translates as I get back on the field.” The upcoming matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday could see Stukes assigned to cover a star tight end he has admired for much of his football life. “It’s a fun challenge,” he said. “I’ve always been a guy that enjoys the highest level of competition, so with a Hall of Famer like Travis Kelce, really looking forward to the challenge and trying to measure up to the task to do what we can to stop him.” Las Vegas’ defense surrendered four touchdowns to tight ends last week, with replacement Isaiah Pola‑Mao struggling in coverage. Coaches have expressed full confidence that Stukes is ready to help shore up that unit. Teammates echo that sentiment. “He’s a rookie who acts like a vet in terms of his preparation and communication,” linebacker Nakobe Dean said. “A lot of times rookies go out there and don’t say anything, but as a leader you have to be vocal to make sure everyone is on the same page and lined up right. He just continues to get better like he did all through camp.” Dean has forced three fumbles this season, adding to Stukes’ interception and Masses’ three picks. The Raiders have generated nine turnovers total, a trend Dean hopes to help continue. “Taking the ball away is simply a huge emphasis for our defense, and I think the guys have been playing with a mindset that reflects that,” Stukes said. “We’re going to continue to do what we can to build on that and keep trying to clean up the other things so we can reach our ceiling as a defense.” A steady Stukes back in the starting lineup should aid those objectives. Stukes said he is not dwelling on the setback. “I’ve been hurt before, and it’s never a place you want to be in,” he said. “But I can fall back on having lived it earlier and made it through worse than that. So I’m just trusting the process.”