Most significant move: It didn't surprise me the Oakland Raiders cut receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, but he is a pretty good player to be released at the cutdown to 75 players. Thompkins, a solid slot receiver, had 15 catches for Oakland after being claimed off waivers from New England. The Raiders are deep at receiver and Thompkins getting cut means Brice Butler, Seth Robert and Andre Holmes (who is getting close to being ready after breaking his hand in training camp) all have a good shot to make the roster.
Michael Dyer is in good shape: The fact that the Raiders cut running back Trent Richardson made national news because he was the No. 3 overall draft pick by Cleveland three years ago. Oakland is the third team to part ways with Richardson and his career may be in jeopardy. For the Raiders, though, his release means undrafted rookie Michael Dyer has a good shot of making the 53-man roster. He has been solid this summer. If he plays well Thursday, Dyer should make the roster.
Free-agent adds already going: The Raiders signed Richardson and cornerback James Dockery in the free-agent period. Both have been released in the early cuts. The Raiders paid Richardson $600,000 in guaranteed money while Dockery was not paid any bonuses.
Raiders' cuts: WR Kenbrell Thompkins, RB Trent Richardson, QB Cody Fajardo, WR Josh Harper, CB James Dockery, P Steven Clark, CB Rob Daniel, G Lamar Mady, WR Milton Williams III, DB Ras-I Dowling, KR/PR Trindon Holliday, DB Jimmy Hall (waived/injured), T Menelik Watson (injured reserve).
