Shedrick Jackson’s Emergence Offers Pete Carroll and the Raiders a Much-Needed Spark
At 2-11 and winless in the division, the Las Vegas Raiders' season has spiraled into the kind of nightmare that tends to end with major changes. And right now, all signs point to Pete Carroll’s seat getting hotter by the week. When you’re not just losing, but getting outclassed week after week, the pressure mounts fast - especially when the decisions on the sideline are raising just as many eyebrows as the performances on the field.
Carroll’s been under fire for more than just the record. The roster construction has left plenty to be desired, but it’s the in-game personnel choices that have really fueled the frustration. There’s a growing sense that the Raiders’ young talent is being left on the shelf, and with the season long past the point of playoff contention, fans want to see what the future looks like - not more of the same.
That’s where Shedrick Jackson enters the picture.
The former preseason standout finally got his shot in Week 14, and he didn’t waste a second of it. With the Raiders trailing 24-7 in the fourth quarter against the Broncos, Carroll gave Jackson just two snaps. On the second, Jackson made the kind of play that turns heads - a 25-yard seam route for a touchdown, his first NFL catch and score, all in one.
It wasn’t just a garbage-time stat padder either. That touchdown came against one of the league’s toughest defenses, and it showcased the kind of chemistry Jackson has been building with quarterback Kenny Pickett behind the scenes. Both have spent most of the season working with the second and third units in practice, and that familiarity paid off in a big way.
Carroll acknowledged as much after the game, praising Jackson’s consistent effort and standout preseason performance.
“Shedrick, that was - we’re rooting for the guy,” Carroll said. “He’s been busting his tail the whole time he’s been with us, and he’s looked impressive. He had probably the most standout preseason of the young guys, and so it’s just been a matter of getting the opportunity.”
Jackson’s journey to that moment hasn’t been smooth. After flashing in the preseason - including a highlight-reel touchdown on a sluggo route that left a Seahawks defender grasping at air - he was waived during final roster cuts. The Raiders prioritized bringing him back to the practice squad, but when the regular season kicked off, it was veterans and special teams contributors getting the nod over the rookie receiver.
Las Vegas leaned on experience, bringing in Amari Cooper, who retired shortly after joining the team, and keeping players like Justin Shorter and Alex Bachman active for their special teams value. That left Jackson waiting in the wings - until injuries finally opened a door.
With Bachman sidelined and rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. also banged up, Jackson got the call-up. And from the moment he was told he might play, he locked in.
“We told him Wednesday or whatever it was that he had a chance to play, and I was really fired up for him,” Carroll said Monday. “You could just tell the uplift that had happened… He really rose to the occasion and had a really impressive week of practice, and so we weren’t hesitant to go to him or give him a chance.”
That’s the kind of story that resonates - not just because of the touchdown, but because of what it represents. Jackson, the great-nephew of Raiders legend Bo Jackson, carries a name that means something in Silver and Black circles.
But he’s not living off that legacy. He’s earning his place, one rep at a time.
And for a team that’s been desperately searching for bright spots, Jackson’s emergence is more than just a feel-good moment. It’s a sign that there’s still talent to develop, still potential to unlock - if the coaching staff is willing to give it a shot.
Looking ahead, there’s every reason to keep Jackson involved. If Bachman remains out and Thornton isn’t ready, Jackson should be active again. And if Pickett continues to get snaps under center, that rapport they’ve built could be something worth exploring further.
For Carroll, this could be a lifeline. The Raiders’ season is all but lost in the standings, but it’s not too late to start building for what comes next.
Playing the young guys - and letting them learn through real reps - isn’t just good for development. It might be the only thing that gives Carroll a chance to stick around long enough to see the payoff.
Shedrick Jackson’s breakout wasn’t just a highlight. It was a message.
There’s talent here. There’s fight.
And there’s still time to let it shine.