The Raiders have an interesting preseason ahead. They have three exhibition games on the road, including one in Canada. They're headed to Napa for camp, which is possibly, though ultimately uncertain, the last time they train in Wine Country with Las Vegas relocation scheduled next year.
They have personalities to spare on this unit, which must bond to improve on last year's 4-12 disappointment. They'll do so under NFL Films' watchful eye, with camera everywhere filming this season's HBO documentary series "Hard Knocks."
Their training camp schedule hasn't been made official, but Monday's announcement of report dates gives the preseason some shape. Here are key dates for the Raiders summer plans.
As a note, Raiders training camp practices are only open to season-ticket holders and guests by invite only.
Tuesday, July 23: Rookies, first-year players, recently rehabilitating veterans and quarterbacks report for training camp in Napa.
Friday, July 26: Veterans report for training camp in Napa
Saturday, July 27: First full-squad training camp practice.
Monday, July 29: First padded practice in training camp
Tuesday, Aug. 6: "Hard Knocks" with the Raiders premieres at 10 p.m. on HBO
Wednesday, Aug. 7-8: Raiders host joint training camp practices with the L.A. Rams in Napa
Saturday, Aug. 10: Exhibition opener vs. L.A. Rams at Oakland Coliseum
Tuesday, Aug. 13: Second episode of "Hard Knocks" airs at 10 p.m. on HBO
Thursday, Aug. 15: Exhibition No. 2 at Arizona Cardinals, 5 p.m. (ESPN)
Tuesday, Aug. 20: Third episode of "Hard Knocks" airs at 10 p.m. on HBO
Thursday, Aug. 22: Exhibition No. 3 vs. Green Bay Packers at IG Field in Winnipeg, 5 p.m. (Bay: KTVU; Vegas KVVU)
Thursday, Aug. 27: Fourth episode of "Hard Knocks" airs at 10 p.m. on HBO
Thursday, Aug. 29: Exhibition No. 4: Aug. 29: Exhibition No. 4 at Seattle Seahawks, 7 p.m. (Bay: KTVU; Vegas KVVU)
Saturday, Aug. 31: Rosters must be decreased from 90 players to the 53-man limit by 1 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 1: Claiming period ends for waived roster cuts at 9 a.m.
Sunday, Sept. 1: Teams may formally sign a 10-man practice squad
Tuesday Sept. 3: Final episode of "Hard Knocks" airs at 10 p.m. on HBO
