Raiders owner: Team wasn’t targeted
NEW YORK » Las Vegas Raiders owner Mark Davis says he doesn’t believe the team was targeted in the leaking of emails that led to the resignation of coach Jon Gruden.
Speaking after the NFL owners meetings ended Wednesday, Davis also acknowledged the team has reached a settlement with Gruden, who received a 10-year, $100 million contract to return to coach the team in 2018. He did not reveal terms of the settlement.
Asked about any recent conversations with Gruden, whose racist, homophobic and misogynistic comments were uncovered during an investigating of workplace misconduct at the Washington Football Team, Davis said: “He’s hurt, he’s really hurt. I understand that. But he understands the ramifications of what he said.”
“We all have our demons in life,” Davis added, “and we have to understand that.”
Davis wondered about the timing of the leaking of the emails, and said he was not given a reason for delays in his team being told about them. Davis would like the league to release a written report of the investigation.
He also gave a lukewarm endorsement of Raiders general manager Mike Mayock, who was hired by Gruden. “Mike Mayock is the GM of the Raiders,” the owner said. “I will not speak for the future, right now he’s the GM of the Raiders.”
Calf strain limits Prescott
FRISCO, TEXAS » Dak Prescott missed some individual drills in practice so the Dallas quarterback could do rehab work on the side for his strained right calf.
Receiver CeeDee Lamb says he’s “about 90 percent sure” Prescott will play Sunday night at Minnesota.
Coach Mike McCarthy didn’t go much further than saying the Cowboys (5-1) were giving backup Cooper Rush more prep time this week. Prescott was listed as limited in practice Wednesday, the day before he was scheduled to meet with reporters.
Mayfield tests shoulder
BEREA, OHIO » One game on the sideline was too much for Baker Mayfield. The Browns’ starting quarterback has no plans to repeat it. Mayfield tested his injured left shoulder by practicing Wednesday, and if all goes well, he intends to play Sunday against Pittsburgh.
“I think similar to last week, see what I can do and take it day by day,” Mayfield said following the team’s pre-practice walk-through.
He was asked if it’s possible he’ll play on Halloween against the Browns’ dreaded rival.
“Absolutely,” he said.
Defensive coordinator won’t join Pack in Arizona
GREEN BAY, WIS. » Green Bay Packers defensive coordinator Joe Barry won’t attend the team’s Thursday night game at Arizona because of COVID-19 protocols.
The Packers had been preparing for this likelihood ever since Barry tested positive. They made it official and said Barry’s responsibilities would be divided between defensive backs coach Jerry Gray and inside linebackers coach Kirk Olivadotti. Gray said that Barry continued participating in meetings this week virtually.