Dylan Laube delivered one of the season’s biggest special-teams moments in the Las Vegas Raiders’ Week 8 game against the New York Jets. The running back returned a kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown, producing the NFL’s first kickoff-return score of the 2026 season. The play also ended a long wait for Las Vegas: it was the Raiders’ first kickoff-return touchdown since Jacoby Ford in 2011.
Dylan Laube kickoff return TD: How the play happened
Laube’s 95-yard return came in the second quarter after the Jets had taken a 13-7 lead. He fielded the kickoff and sprinted down the left sideline for the score, putting Las Vegas back in front. The Raiders went on to win 38-33.
The return was the first kickoff touchdown anywhere in the league during the 2026 season through Week 8. It was also the first of Laube’s NFL career and one of the defining plays in the Raiders’ victory.
Dylan Laube stats and special-teams impact
The Raiders announced that Laube was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for the performance. Through eight games, he was averaging a league-best 34.1 yards per kickoff return. He also contributed as a coverage player, recording a kickoff tackle in the fourth quarter against New York.
- 95-yard kickoff return for a touchdown against the Jets
- NFL’s first kickoff-return touchdown of the 2026 season
- First Raiders kickoff-return touchdown since 2011
- 34.1 yards per kickoff return through eight games
- Named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week
Why Laube’s performance matters for Las Vegas
Kickoff returns can alter momentum immediately. A long return gives the offense a short field; a touchdown puts points directly on the board without using an offensive possession. For a team competing in close games, reliable return production can become an important part of weekly field-position strategy.
Laube’s role is not limited to carrying the ball on offense. His work on kickoff coverage and return units gives the coaching staff another way to use his speed and energy. Maintaining ball security and making sound decisions on returns will be just as important as producing another highlight.
Can Dylan Laube keep leading the NFL in kickoff returns?
The key question is whether Laube can sustain his strong return average and continue earning opportunities. Opponents may kick away from him or use different hang times and placement to limit his chances. Even when a return does not become a touchdown, consistent yardage can help the Raiders start drives in better field position.
The weekly award is an important milestone, but the next stage is consistency. Laube will be measured on return decisions, ball security, blocking reads and his ability to create positive field position throughout the season.
Dylan Laube kickoff return TD: Frequently asked questions
How long was Dylan Laube’s kickoff return touchdown?
Laube returned the kickoff 95 yards for a touchdown against the New York Jets.
When was the Raiders’ previous kickoff-return touchdown?
The Raiders’ previous kickoff-return touchdown came from Jacoby Ford during the 2011 season.
Did Dylan Laube win an NFL weekly award?
Yes. He was named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week after his Week 8 performance.
More Raiders and NFL coverage
Follow more league coverage in the Sportimatic NFL hub and see the NFL Week 9 schedule for upcoming matchups.
Sources
Las Vegas Raiders: Dylan Laube named AFC Special Teams Player of the Week. Raiders: 95-yard kickoff return video. NFL.com: Laube scores NFL’s first kickoff-return TD of 2026.
