Tuesday, the Las Vegas Raiders released third-year defensive tackle Jonah Laulu. After playing 67.9 percent of the defensive snaps last season, his play time dwindled to 32 percent and he was inactive twice.
Let’s look at the position as the team moves on from Laulu:
Tonka Hemingway:
The 2025 fourth-round pick has been the Raiders’ leading snap getter at the position when healthy. In the first four weeks his snap percentage rate ranged from 52 to 73 percent. He was injured in Week 5 and missed Week 6.
He was eased back into action, playing 29 percent of the snaps in Week 7. He has 15 tackles and one sack.
Adam Butler:
The veteran is averaging 51 percent snap play. He logged 70 percent of the snaps in Week 7, his most of the season. He is definitely a too-of-the-rotation defensive tackle. He has 18 tackles and a half of sack.
Foley Fatukasi:
Fatukasi, signed in training camp, has become a solid contributor. He’ playing 44 percent of the snaps. He has 12 tackles and a half a sack.
Thomas Booker:
He was a healthy scratch in Week 7 after he played in the first six games. His snap percentage rate ranged from 32 to 50 percent. It will be interesting to see if he remains inactive in the coming weeks.
J.J. Pegues:
The 2025 sixth-round draft pick has been active for three games, including the past two. He is averaging 13 percent of the snaps. He forced a fumble in Week 7. It wouldn’t be a surprise if he remains active on game days.
Tim Keenan:
The rookie — he was drafted in the seventh round by the Rams and signed to the Raiders’ practice squad in September after he was cut — is still on the practice squad. He was elevated for Week 7 and he played in 29 percent of the snaps. He had two tackles. He could be a candidate for the 53-man roster soon.
