AFL commissioner Joe Foss was in town to visit the team and said Oakland’s training facilities were on par with those of the other teams he had visited so far. The league's supervisor of officials, Bob Austin, was also in town to advise coaches and players on league rules.

Head coach Eddie Erdelatz promoted LC Joyner to a starting role in the secondary, replacing the recently departed Marvin Lasater. He also put newcomer Tom Louderback in at middle linebacker and moved Larry Barnes to left defensive end. Brad Myers was moved from second-string right halfback to second-string fullback.

The team cut five players: tackle Rich Max, tackle Clord Boyette, tackle Willie Hudson, center Wes Fry , and halfback Purcell Daniels.