HENDERSON, Nev. — “Constant improvement” was a phrase Las Vegas Raiders general manager John Spytek uttered several times during his preseason news conference. It’s what he’s seen from the roster he’s built thus far and what he’s hoping to observe throughout the 2026 season. It is an obvious goal given the troubles of his first season at the helm.The Raiders went a league-worst 3-14 in 2025. Improvements were made to the coaching staff by bringing in the most sought-after head coaching candidate on the market in Klint Kubiak. Spytek also directed one of the league’s biggest roster overhauls, as just 14 players on this year’s initial 53-man roster predate the general manager’s January 2025 arrival. Only 27 remain from this time last season.This offseason generated more excitement around the direction of the franchise than there’s been in years — a sense that a return to relevancy is approaching. With the Raiders failing to make the playoffs since 2021, Spytek feels the urgency, saying, “We’ve got to win football games” this year. But he also emphasized the need for patience.“We’ve been very intentional,” Spytek said. “We’ve talked a lot about that and knowing who we’re bringing into the building. We have a very young roster, which requires development, and development requires time.”Will such development require another faltering season, or will constant improvement make the Raiders competitive this year? And how are the key pieces in the rebuild fitting in?Will the Broncos repeat as AFC West Champions?Nick KosmiderHere are some things I’m seeing with the Raiders as they enter the 2026 season.What happens if Bowers can’t goAccording to a report from ESPN, star tight end Brock Bowers will miss the start of the regular season after undergoing a meniscus procedure. When asked about Bowers (and Maxx Crosby’s) availability on Wednesday, Kubiak said, “We’re expecting to have all our players ready for Sunday,” though Bowers was officially listed as a DNP on Wednesday’s practice report.Bowers’ absence would be a massive blow for the Raiders, as he was flourishing in Kubiak’s tight end-heavy system and looked healthy after dealing with a knee injury last season.Bowers will be the focal point of the offense when he plays. Without him, a major undertaking would be necessary.The first step in replacing Bowers’ output is getting results from his backups. The Raiders won’t abandon the tight end position in his absence; it’s too much of a factor in Kubiak’s scheme. That means Michael Mayer, Ian Thomas and Connor Heyward will see elevated roles.Mayer was drafted in the second round in 2023 — two general managers ago. A new regime selected Bowers the next year, relegating Mayer to a complementary role. But Mayer has shown his talents in Kubiak’s scheme during training camp and the preseason, catching four passes for 27 yards and a touchdown over three exhibition games.“I really love this offense, I really love Klint,” Mayer said during training camp. “It’s just about being comfortable, being the type of player that I can be, and going out there and showing people.”Mayer can’t do all the things Bowers can — he’s less versatile in his alignment and can’t beat defenders with speed and quickness like the two-time Pro Bowler. But he has the skills and athleticism that won’t force the Raiders to shift things dramatically. He should take on much of Bowers’ receiving opportunities while he’s out.Thomas served in a blocking role in 2025, his first season with the Raiders. Heyward, a former Steeler, was signed this offseason to be the team’s fullback but can line up at tight end. Neither can come close to replicating Bowers’ ability as a receiver.That’s why the Raiders will be heavily run-focused without Bowers. Kubiak already utilizes the ground game more than most NFL play callers — the Seattle Seahawks were the third most run-heavy offense in football under his watch last season. That commitment to the ground game helps set up an effective play-action attack.Without Bowers’ separation ability, the Raiders will need to have success running the ball to create windows for their targets in the passing game. Fortunately for them, running back Ashton Jeanty has returned to practice as a full participant, and rookie Mike Washington Jr. has shown real promise in a supplemental role.The receivers will also have to step up with Bowers out. Kubiak was critical of them during training camp, saying they’re still looking for a wideout who can help on Sundays. Losing the threat of Bowers puts even more pressure on the group. Given those concerns, look for Kubiak to create space and opportunities for them with his scheme via motions and screens.Cousins is the right callKubiak finally announced Kirk Cousins as the Raiders’ starting quarterback last week, giving him the nod over No. 1 draft pick Fernando Mendoza. They seemingly determined in April, before Cousins was signed, that this would be the approach; both Kubiak and Spytek expressed their preference of playing a veteran ahead of a rookie.