The Las Vegas Raiders have a 6-foot-5 wide receiver who ran a 4.30-second 40-yard dash, and they’re still waiting to put him on the field. But with injuries thinning the position, that may seem like an odd decision. However, Klint Kubiak has a valid reason for holding off on Dont’e Thornton Jr.

Thornton returned to practice Oct. 7 after a training camp hamstring injury kept him on injured reserve. Although he participated fully in three practices before last weekend’s trip to New England, Las Vegas did not activate him. Kubiak explained Wednesday what he needs to see from Thornton before he gets the nod.

"He's got to prove to us he's ready to go play in the NFL game. That his conditioning is there," Kubiak said. "He didn't have a lot of training camp, guys. He's coming back from a lot of time off, but he's worked really hard and he's put himself in position last week to prove to us this week and maybe next week that he's ready to go."

Thornton's speed gives the Raiders an option they need

Jack Bech has been on injured reserve since a fractured forearm ended his day in New Orleans. Jalen Nailor missed the Patriots game with a concussion and was still working toward a return this week. After the rough afternoon in New England, another receiver would certainly help.

Thornton offers something very unique. The 2025 fourth-round pick led major-college football at Tennessee in 2024 with 25.4 yards per catch and had six receptions of at least 50 yards. His 4.30-second combine run showed the speed that can stretch a defense and create room for Brock Bowers and Michael Mayer underneath.

Of course, straight-line speed does not guarantee separation in the NFL. Thornton caught just 10 passes for 135 yards in 15 games as a rookie. And after missing so much preparation time, he has to show he can handle the plays, the physical demands, and the pace Kubiak expects.

Why Kubiak won't rush the activation

The Raiders opened Thornton's 21-day practice window last week, giving them until Oct. 28 to activate him or leave him on injured reserve for the season. Getting him back for Sunday's Bills game would be welcome, but Kubiak's wording also leaves room for the following week's visit from the Rams.

Kubiak made clear that conditioning is only the first test. "With any player coming back from an injury that's been out for a long time, number one's conditioning, and number two is being assignment sound, and number three is making plays."

Honestly, that's a fair standard. The Raiders do need Thornton's speed, but sending him out too soon before he's ready would not fix the receiver shortage. But the interesting part now is how quickly he can turn a full week of practice into a convincing case for playing time.