Raiders release LB Germaine Pratt after missing Week 5 trip to Indy

The Las Vegas Raiders released linebacker Germaine Pratt on Monday, a day after he did not travel with the team for its Week 5 road game in Indianapolis. Head coach Pete Carroll said the organization "decided to go in a different direction" but declined to provide further explanation. Indianapolis signed Pratt to a one year contract on Wednesday.

Pratt started all four games for Las Vegas this season and recorded 25 tackles and two pass breakups in that span. He was a healthy scratch for the 40-6 loss to the Colts on Sunday, and his absence on the trip prompted questions that were not answered before the team announced his release. Pratt posted a cryptic message on social media after he was cut.

Carroll offered no additional detail about the decision beyond his Monday comment. Team officials and coaches have pointed to a desire to move the roster in another direction, but the specific reasons for removing a regular starter have not been disclosed. The move drew immediate attention given Pratt's role: he had been part of a weakside linebacker rotation alongside veterans Jamal Adams and Devin White.

Devin White, who also joined Las Vegas this offseason, emphasized the need for...