On Wednesday, the Las Vegas Raiders made an intriguing addition to their roster by signing former Alabama high school football star and Alabama State defensive back Keenan Isaac to their practice squad. This move is part of the team’s ongoing effort to reinforce their defensive lineup.
Isaac, known for his athletic prowess, excelled in both football and basketball during his time as an impressive athlete at Midfield High School, quickly establishing himself as a capable starter in the Alabama State secondary right from his freshman year.
NFL practice squad players fulfill the same rigorous training and preparation as those on the active roster, with the distinction that they are not eligible to participate in official games unless elevated. Each team has the option to elevate two practice-squad players for active status on game day, providing flexibility for injury management and player strategies.
In another development, the Detroit Lions activated defensive tackle Brodric Martin, restoring him to their 53-player active roster. Martin, who has been sidelined for the first 11 weeks of the season due to a knee injury sustained during the preseason, is anticipated to bolster the Lions’ defensive line.
After returning to practice on Oct. 30, Martin faced a deadline on Wednesday which was crucial for determining his future for the season. If he had not been moved to active status, he would have remained on the injured reserve list for the entirety of the season.
Starting his athletic journey as a defensive end and tight end at Northridge High School in Tuscaloosa, Martin showcased his versatility by also participating in basketball and throwing the shot put for the track team. His college football career commenced in 2017 at North Alabama, where he made an immediate impact over three seasons before transferring to Western Kentucky.
Recognizing his potential, the Detroit Lions traded multiple draft picks to the Arizona Cardinals in order to secure Martin with the 96th selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, indicating their confidence in his abilities as a defensive asset.
As a rookie in the NFL, Martin appeared in three games for the Lions, gaining valuable experience at this competitive level.
This Sunday, the Raiders are set to host their division rivals, the Denver Broncos, at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas at 3:05 p.m., while the Lions will face off against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis at noon CST, promising an exciting day of NFL action.
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Mark Inabinett is a sports reporter for Alabama Media Group. Follow him on Twitter at @AMarkG1.
How does Keenan Isaac prepare mentally and physically for the possibility of being elevated from the practice squad to the active roster with the Raiders?
**Interview with Keenan Isaac: A New Addition to the Raiders’ Defensive Lineup**
**Interviewer:** Today, we have Keenan Isaac, the newly signed defensive back for the Las Vegas Raiders, joining us to discuss his recent addition to the team and what it means for his future in the NFL. Welcome, Keenan!
**Keenan Isaac:** Thanks for having me! I’m excited to be here and to talk about this new chapter in my career.
**Interviewer:** Let’s dive right in. You were a standout at Midfield High School and then went on to have a solid college career at Alabama State. How have those experiences prepared you for the NFL, specifically joining the Raiders’ practice squad?
**Keenan Isaac:** My time at Midfield and Alabama State was crucial for my development. Playing both football and basketball helped me enhance my athleticism and compete at a high level. I feel like I learned a lot about the game and about perseverance. Joining the Raiders practice squad is an incredible opportunity to showcase what I’ve learned and contribute to a team that is looking to strengthen its defense.
**Interviewer:** Absolutely. The Raiders have been actively working to bolster their roster. How do you feel you can contribute to the team’s defensive strategy?
**Keenan Isaac:** I believe my versatility and understanding of the game will help. I can play multiple positions in the secondary, and I’m always ready to learn and adapt. The coaching staff has a plan, and I aim to bring energy and competitiveness to the defense.
**Interviewer:** Being on the practice squad means you have intense training, but game days are different. Can you explain what it’s like to be in that role and how you prepare for the possibility of being elevated to the active roster?
**Keenan Isaac:** It’s a unique experience. Practice squad players train as hard as the starters. We go through the same drills, study the same playbooks, and need to be ready at all times. It’s a constant grind, but it keeps me sharp. The chance of being elevated adds an extra layer of motivation—I want to be ready if my name is called.
**Interviewer:** On a related note, another player in the league, Brodric Martin from the Detroit Lions, recently returned from injury to their active roster. How do you view the dynamic of player injuries and roster changes in the NFL?
**Keenan Isaac:** Injuries are a part of the game, and they definitely impact teams. It’s important for players to be ready for their moment. Watching how Brodric worked hard to recover and return shows that dedication pays off. Our job is to stay prepared because the league is always looking for depth, especially when injuries happen.
**Interviewer:** You’re taking an important step in your career. What are your goals as you move forward with the Raiders?
**Keenan Isaac:** My primary goal is to contribute to the team as much as possible. I want to prove myself, gain experience, and eventually earn a spot on the active roster. I’m committed to working hard and making a name for myself in this league.
**Interviewer:** We’re all looking forward to seeing how you make your mark. Thank you for joining us today, Keenan, and best of luck in your journey with the Raiders!
**Keenan Isaac:** Thank you! I appreciate the support and can’t wait to get started.