The Las Vegas Raiders have completed nine days of their 2026 training camp in Henderson, Nevada. Head coach Klint Kubiak and his staff are prioritizing player versatility and a high level of coachability during the early sessions at the Intermountain Health Performance Center .
The Shift Toward Kubiak's Three-Down Backs
The Las Vegas Raiders are moving away from specialized running back roles in favor of a more fluid offensive scheme. According to the report, head coach Klint Kubiak emphasizes diversity in his system, preferring running backs who can contribute in non-running situations . This strategy is designed to prevent opposing defenses from predicting plays based on personnel groupings.
This shift reflects a broader NFL trend where the "three-down back"—a player capable of rushing, receiving, and pass protection—is becoming the gold standard. By demanding this versatility, the Las Vegas Raiders aim to create a more unpredictable offense that can adapt mid-game without frequent substitutions. rB coach Omar Young noted that the more the group can do , the better the overall offense will perform.
Dylan Laube's Role Behind Jeanty and Washington Jr.
Dylan Laube is currently carving out a specific niche within the Las Vegas Raiders' backfield despite not challenging for the top two spots. As reported by the source, Laube is not expected to push Ashton Jeanty for the RB1 role or Mike Washington Jr. for the RB2 position. Instead, Laube is being utilized as a complementary piece who provvides a different skill set than the primary starters.
RB coach Omar Young praised Dylan Laube for his intentional work ethic and his ability to avoid repeating mistakes. Young specifically highlighted Laube's strength and stoutness despite his smaller frame, noting that his ability to catch the ball and protect the quarterback makes him a valuable asset to the Las Vegas Raiders' 2026 roster.
Roman Hemby and the Battle for a 53-Man Roster Spot
The pursuit of "hidden gems" by GM John Spytek has brought Roman Hemby, an undrafted free agent from Indiana, into the spotlight. While Hemby has earned praise for his professional approach and high energy during practices, his path to the final roster is steep. The report indicates that the Las Vegas Raiders are expected to carry only four running backs or fullbacks on their 53-man roster.
Despite receiving limited repetitions, Roman Hemby has managed to earn more opportunities through his process and aggresssion on the field. However,the mathematical reality of the NFL roster limit means Hemby is fighting an uphill battle to survive the final cuts, regardless of his standing with the coaching staff.
Klint Kubiak's 'Machine' Approach and the Missing Depth Chart
The internal culture under Klint Kubiak is being described by his staff as one of extreme accountability. RB coach Omar Young characterized Kubiak as a "machine" who demands a high level of precision from both the players and the coaching staff. This rigorous environment is intended to ensure that every player is placed in the optimal position for success.
While the team's internal optimism is high, several critical questions remain unanswered. The source provides the perspective of the coaching staff and select players, but it does not detail how these versatility goals will translate into actual game-day packages. Furthermore, it remains unclear which of the four expected running back spots will be allocated to a traditional fullback versus a versatile three-down back, leaving the final composition of the Las Vegas Raiders' backfield a mystery.
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