Worley’s return costs Conley playing time
Veteran CB was suspended first four games
ALAMEDA, Calif. — Gareonconley’s snap count dropped significantly within the last week.
The second-year cornerback registered only 13 defensive snaps in last Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers — not even close to Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns when he played 55 snaps.
A big reason for Conley’s decrease in production is because of Daryl Worley returning and having a solid game against the Chargers. Worley played in 49 of the team’s 64 snaps on defense.
“Worley came in and played really good for his first game,” defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said Tuesday. “That added an extra guy to the mix so it’s a battle at corner right now. That’s the best way I can tell [Conley]. Everybody is competing forjobs,andwearegoingtogowith the hot hand. That’s what he’s got to concentrate on this week.”
Worley was suspended the first four games for violating the NFL’S personal conduct and substance abuse policy in April. He was able to play and practice with the Raiders during the preseason prior to the suspension taking effect.
The Raiders have an abundance of corners, and Guenther is looking for a consistent tandem at the position. Despite only playing one regular season game, Worley has left a strong impression on Guenther.
“I want to eventually get to two starting corners so we’re settled there, but obviously Daryl came back, and like I said, he was one of our best corners all offseason, and he proved it again on Sunday that he’s a high-level player,” Guenther said. “So we’ll see how it goes, really, based upon what the snaps are, the situation, and how guys are playing, really.”
Osemele, Joseph return to practice
Guard Kelechi Osemele and safety Karl Joseph returned to practice Tuesday.
Osemele missed the loss to the Chargers after hurting his knee in Week 4 against Cleveland. . He did not practice this past week.
Joseph returns after missing the team’s last two games with bad hamstring. The third-year safety has started in 24 games for the Raiders since being drafted in 2016 but has yet to start this year, playing behind Reggie Nelson and Marcus Gilchrist.
Notable
Chargers owner Alex Spanos died Tuesday at the age of 95. “The Raiders family mourns his loss and our condolences go out to the entire Spanos family,” the team said in a statement.
Defensive end Frostee Rucker practiced Tuesday after leaving Sunday’s game against the Chargers with a neck injury.
This Sunday marks the Raiders’ fourth international game and their first in London since 2014. The team has a 1-2 record in the series.
Contact Chris Booker at cbooker@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @ Bookerc94 on Twitter.
Review-journal NFL reporter Gilbert Manzano’s weekly rankings, with last week’s ranking in parentheses:
The Rams struggled in their first game outside California this season, but escaped Seattle with a victory. A gutsy and successful fourth down call iced the game with less than two minutes left.
In a strengthversus-strength matchup, the Chiefs’ explosive offense prevailed against the mighty Jaguars’ defense.
There’s no stopping the Saints’ high-octane offense, and running back Mark Ingram returned Monday from a four-game suspension.
Tom Brady and Julian Edelman are still on the same page, and it’s business as usual for the New England dynasty. The Patriots host the Chiefs on “Sunday Night Football.”
Graham Gano’s 63-yard field goal in the final seconds beat the Giants on Sunday.
It’s time for Andy Dalton’s offense to get some love. The Bengals scored 24 consecutive points in the fourth quarter to erase a 17-3 deficit against the reeling Dolphins.
Only Blake
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The hot Bears’ defense travels to Miami after a bye week.
A desperate Vikings team returned to form in a road victory over the Eagles.
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The Chargers are one game over .500, and star edge rusher Joey Bosa hasn’t played a game.
Is coach Mike Mccarthy finally on the hot seat?
Pittsburgh opened the October slate with a 41-point performance against the Falcons. The Steelers are back on track after a forgetful September.
Who are these Ravens? One week they’re dismantling the Steelers, the next they’re scoring nine points against the Browns.
Should have known the Titans aren’t real contenders. Tennessee took four steps back in a loss to the Bills.
Adam Gase’s trick plays aren’t leading to wins the past two weeks after a 3-0 start.
Baker Mayfield continues to make the Browns look like geniuses for selecting him No. 1 overall.
With Jameis Winston as the starter, the Bucs return from a bye week to face the Falcons.
Deandre Hopkins refused to let the Texans lose to the Cowboys. Houston is back in the mix after two straight wins.
Can the Cowboys and Dez Bryant stop talking about each other on social media? Just make up. It’s obvious they need each other.
That Alex Smith investment is looking bad after his poor performance against the Saints.
Are the Seahawks ever going to give their first-round running back a shot to prove himself? Rashaad Penny has fallen to third string.
Rookie Sam Darnold bounced back with three touchdown passes in a win over the Broncos.
If it wasn’t for garbage-time yardage, the Broncos’ offensive stats would have looked a lot uglier against the Jets.
It’s time to press the panic button for the Falcons. Playoffs might not be an option at this point.
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Andrew Luck’s arm might fall off after 121 pass attempts in a five-day span.
Odell Beckham Jr. got his wish of throwing the ball down the field, but it still resulted in a loss.
Somehow, with a Stone Age offense, the Cardinals managed a win.
Giving the Cardinals their first victory makes the Niners the league’s worst team.