Among the most notable cuts when it came down to the final 53-man roster for the Oakland Raiders was that of ‘Hard Knocks’ star and wide receiver Keelan Doss.
Doss carried quite a camera presence during his time on the show. The fact that he had been an Alameda native that grew up and played his college ball nearby also made him one of the easiest players to root for.
Early on, it appeared as though it was supplemented by his promising play during training camp and the preseason. Unfortunately, Doss was ultimately unable to make the final cut.
According to Scott Bair of NBC Sports, head coach Jon Gruden revealed the reasoning behind his release:
“That was your storyline. That wasn’t my storyline, just so we’re on the same page,” Gruden said. “He did a heck of a job. We tried to keep him on practice squad. He felt like he had a better opportunity to make the team in Jacksonville. You hate to see him go, but we’re happy for his future. We weren’t eager to get rid of Marcell Ateman. He started several games for us last year. Rico Gafford made some big plays this preseason, and he’s only played receiver for one year.
“[Doss was] in a tough spot. He’s a big story on the TV show, but that’s not the reality that we saw on tape.”
Although Doss’ background made him an easy choice for viewers to envision making the final roster, it is clear that Gruden was not taking any of that into consideration. Above all else, the NFL is a business and his decision is proof of that.
Oakland still made an attempt to sign Doss to their practice squad after he cleared waivers, however, he has since opted to leave his hometown to join the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad. Perhaps he feels the change of scenery will provide him with a better chance of getting on an active roster in the 2019 NFL season.
The Raiders have since managed to keep wide receivers Marcell Ateman and Rico Gathers for their practice squad moving forward. Ateman saw his role increase in the receiving corps during the 2018 campaign, so it seems Gruden is much more comfortable with him serving as depth. Meanwhile, Gafford is still finding his footing as a wide receiver after switching positions last offseason and it is clear that he has shown more than enough promise to in his new spot to be retained.
