Former UCLA head coach Chip Kelly is back in the NFL. His new-look offense with the Las Vegas Raiders will be viewed by fans in their preseason opener. Notably, it won’t just be backups running Kelly’s offense. Raiders head coach Pete Carroll told reporters the offense will be “live” for the Thursday night game in Seattle, according to Raiders Wire.
On Aug. 5, 2025, Carroll’s statement might appear jarring to fans to have the starters play the first preseason game in the beginning of August when the first regular season game will be exactly a month away on Sept. 7. Injuries can occur, but players don’t seem to be worried and are enthusiastic about showing off their new offense and offensive weapons. Raiders Wire has more here:
“I like to play football. Whenever we get a chance to suit it up, I’m ready to go,” said (Raider quarterback) Geno Smith. “This is what I do for a living, I love to play and every chance I get to go out there and compete, I’m looking forward to it.”
Smith slinging the ball to All-Pro tight end Brock Bowers has been a recurring moment throughout camp. A chance to see rookies running back Ashton Jeanty and wide receivers Jack Bech and Dont’e Thornton Jr. will add excitement for the Raiders-Seahawks matchup. This game will be a stage for Vegas. It will give this team an opportunity to show the NFL that the Raiders mean business headed into the season under their experienced and enthusiastic head coach.
Raiders Wire also mentioned the starters will likely only play one drive to not risk injury. The following week they will likely not play, due to having a joint practice against the San Francisco 49ers.
If the starters do take a hiatus from the national broadcast for the rest of the preseason, that will make this performance even more important for fans of the Silver and Black to see what they have going into the long 17-week season.
Whatever the case is, if Smith and the starters look great and Chip Kelly’s offense is racking up points, the Raiders will be thrilled as they prepare for their campaign in the daunting AFC West.
