Well, sort of.
The preseason (or NFL Lite) is a strange time for fans. Yes, it's technically NFL football, but it's not the real product. Starters see some time, but they only play about four quarters total over the first three games of the preseason, and most see almost no playing time in the fourth game, if they see any at all.
But these games are still important. The starters spend their limited time on the field working out the kinks and developing a rhythm with one another in preparation for Week 1 of the regular season.
More importantly, this is the time when players can really move up the the depth chart. Players deep on the depth chart can work their way into more prominent roles that include increased playing time, and roster-bubble players can get their foot in the door of the final 53-man roster.
Yes, there are players who are in camp to fill a spot. No offense to Giorgio Tavecchio, but he's not taking Sebastian Janikowski's spot unless the 16-year vet suffers an injury.
However, there are several players with everything to play for. These players are auditioning for their jobs, which makes the preseason games some of the most important of their lives. This process begins with the Raiders' first preseason game when they host the St. Louis Rams.
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Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
