It was a full circle of emotions for Las Vegas Raiders fans after 2015 first-round pick Amari Cooper agreed to terms on a deal to return to the team he was drafted by.
Raiders fans were excited to not only get the five-time Pro Bowl player back, but he would be another weapon to bring to the roster alongside Jakobi Meyers, Tre Tucker, and Dont'e Thornton Jr.
The reunion didn't last long, and after just a week of being on the roster, Cooper announced that he no longer had a desire to play football. He plans to retire before the start of the NFL season. Las Vegas, left empty-handed, decided to make moves.
Raiders sign Justin Shorter, Phillip Dorsett to replace Amari Cooper
With just a few days leading up to the Raiders' season-opener against the New England Patriots, Las Vegas quickly found a replacement for Amari Cooper.
On Friday, it was announced that Las Vegas signed former Penn State wide receiver Justin Shorter and NFL veteran Phillip Dorsett to the practice squad, according to NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Raiders WR moves:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 5, 2025
🏈Signed WR Justin Shorter to the active roster.
🏈Signed WR Phillip Dorsett to the practice squad.
🏈Placed WR Amari Cooper on the Reserve/Retired list.
Shorter, 25, was a fifth-round pick (150th overall) to the Buffalo Bills in the 2023 NFL Draft. In his college days, playing for Penn State and Florida, Shorter accumulated 110 receptions, 1.552 receiving yards, and eight touchdowns for the Nittany Lions and Gators.
After spending an injury-riddled rookie season with the Buffalo Bills, Shorter was released before the start of the 2024 season. Las Vegas picked up the young pass catcher after he gained familiarity with the team last year as a special teams player.
As for Phillip Dorsett, the 32-year-old journeyman will join the Raiders on the practice squad. Las Vegas would be the eighth team the former first-round pick is joining. In his career, Dorsett has 151 receptions, 2,001 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns.