Raiders WR Malik Benson caught 1-of-5 targets for 18 yards in Thursday’s preseason game against the Texans.

21 August 2026

Benson had an up-and-down night, with more down than up, unfortunately. On one play, the rookie wide receiver secured a contested, leaping grab downfield. He also dropped a pass near the first-down marker, and later had the ball punched out of his hands by a Texans defender. He was attempting to secure the pass while turning upfield at the same time on both plays, and may have let his focus drift toward the big play and away from sound fundamentals. Still, QB Fernando Mendoza is giving him chances to make plays. Benson can probably be left undrafted in 12-team leagues, but monitor his development over the next week.