Raiders-49ers preseason game notes: Tyreik McAllister has big night

Young receiver stands out in preseason finale

The Las Vegas Raiders concluded the preseason schedule with a 24-24 tie with the visiting San Francisco 49ers on Friday night at Allegiant Stadium. The Raiders finished the preseason with an 0-2-1 record.

Here are some game notes:

As was the plan this was a night for the Raiders’ backups and players trying to make the 53-man roster, which will be initially set Tuesday.

The 49ers, though, started played several starters including quarterback Brock Purdy. It was similar to last week when the Raiders played several starters against the Dallas Cowboys’ backups in a 27-12 Las Vegas defeat.

Purdy hit standout wide receiver Deebo Samuel for a big gain on the first play of the game. About half the the 49ers’ starters were on the drive that ended with a field goal.

Veteran Nathan Peterman started at quarterback for the Raiders, even though coach Antonio Pierce had previously indicated undrafted rookie Carter Bradley would start and Peterman would play the second half.

The Raiders went three and out on Peterman’s first drive. He did throw a short touchdown pass to wide receiver Kristian Wilkerson just before halftime to cut the 49ers’ lead to 17-14. Peterman was 12 of 19 for 108 yards. As for Wilkerson, he has a strong chance to be the No. 5 receiver.

Bradley was 9 of 21 for 169 yards with a touchdown pass an an interception. The Raiders will decide in the coming days whether Peterman or Bradley will be the No. 3 quarterback. They could look for another third quarterback or keep just starter Gardner Minshew and backup Aidan O’Connell on the 53-man roster.

Wide receiver Tyreik McAllister gave the Raiders’ fans some excitement by taking a punt return 81 yards in for a score in the second quarter. It was a highlight of the preseason. He also had a 35-yard touchdown pass (he had two catches for 56 yards) from Bradley to give the Raiders a 21-17 lead early in the third quarter. McAliister, who led the Canadian Football League in kickoff return average in 2023, still may not make the team, but perhaps his big game will help him secure a spot on the practice squad.

Then, though, the Raiders scored a touchdown on the following kickoff. The Raiders’ special teams has been good this preseason, but that one won’t make the coaching staff happy.

Bradley and undrafted rookie wide receiver Ramel Keyton had a nice drive to setup a Daniel Carlson field goal in the final seconds to make it a tie game to end the preseason. Keyton had four catches for 76 yards and he could be a good developmental player on the practice squad.

Oh, and, here’s a look at the chaotic final play of the game.

On the 49ers’ second drive, first-year defensive tackle Matthew Butler brought Purdy down for a sack. It was big because Butler is fighting for a roster spot.

Purdy, who surprisingly played three series, led San Francisco to a touchdown drive on his second drive.

Raiders’ rookie running back Dylan Laube was stripped and lost a fumble. He was running decently before the miscue. Laube, who had an overall quiet preseason, had a good training camp and he should make the team.

Young Raiders’ veteran defensive end Janarius Robinson has looked solid in the preseason and he made some plays again against San Francisco. He should make the team.

2023 third-round pick, defensive tackle Byron Young had a sack. That is significant because he had played well earlier in the preseason and was spotty earlier Friday night and may be on the roster bubble after an unimpressive rookie season. The Raiders had three sacks in the first half.

The 49ers ran the ball well. Run defense has been spotty for the Raiders’ backups during the preseason. The backup defensive tackles, linebackers and defensive backs were shaky again and they may be areas the Raiders look to add depth after the cuts are made.

Second-year safety Chris Smith had his second straight impressive game and he intercepted Purdy off a deflected pass. He may be fighting with seventh-round pick Trey Taylor for a roster spot.

Undrafted free agent linebacker Amari Gainer had a sack and played another strong overall game with nine tackles to continue a strong preseason and help his push for a roster spot.

Linebacker Jackson Mitchell, claimed off waivers from Carolina last week, forced a fumble.

Now, it’s onto the regular season, starting at the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium on September 8.