Raiders WR Michael Gallup retires from NFL after six seasons
In a surprising turn of events just before the Las Vegas Raiders’ first training camp practice, Michael Gallup, who had recently inked a one-year contract potentially worth $3 million, announced his retirement. The 28-year-old wide receiver, expected to vie for the Raiders’ No. 3 receiver role, opted to step away from the game despite participating in OTAs and minicamp earlier in the offseason. Gallup brought six years of NFL experience to Las Vegas, having previously played for the Dallas Cowboys, where he accumulated 266 receptions for 3,744 yards and 21 touchdowns.
Alongside Gallup’s retirement, the Raiders faced additional setbacks as they prepared to commence training camp in Costa Mesa, California. Kolton Miller, the team’s starting left tackle for six seasons, began camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list. Miller, who missed a career-high four games last season due to injuries and underwent offseason shoulder surgery, was slated to play a critical role in the Raiders’ offensive line strategy.
Joining Miller on the PUP list were several other key players, including Jalen Guyton, a veteran wide receiver who joined the Raiders after a stint with the Los Angeles Chargers. Guyton, who signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract in May, brings five years of experience, during which he recorded 71 receptions for 1,112 yards and 7 touchdowns. Linebacker Darien Butler, guard Jake Johanning, and second-round draft pick Jackson Powers-Johnson also found themselves on the PUP list. Powers-Johnson, a promising prospect expected to compete for playing time at left guard, suffered a shoulder injury during OTAs, although sources clarified that his placement on the PUP list wasn’t solely due to this injury.
The Raiders’ preparations for the upcoming season were thus marred by unexpected developments and health concerns among key players. Gallup’s abrupt retirement deprived the team of a seasoned receiver just as they were finalizing their offensive lineup. Meanwhile, Miller’s presence on the PUP list indicated ongoing recovery concerns following his recent surgery, raising uncertainties about his readiness for the season ahead.
As the Raiders navigate these challenges, they will need to reassess their roster depth and contingency plans to mitigate the impact of these early setbacks. The retirement of Gallup, in particular, leaves a void in their receiving corps that will require swift adjustments and possibly additional acquisitions to bolster offensive capabilities. With training camp underway, the team faces the immediate task of integrating new players and managing the recovery of those on the mend, aiming to solidify their roster and optimize performance for the upcoming NFL campaign.
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