LYNCH LEADS WOUNDED WORRIES HEADING INTO NEEDED BYE WEEK
Gruden concerned most about veteran RB; MRI scheduled
ALAMEDA, Calif. —The Raiders aren’t only hurting in the standings.
Marshawn Lynch led a group of eight injured players that coach Jon Gruden listed Tuesday as the 1-5 Raiders headed into their bye week. Others Gruden mentioned included offensive starters Derek Carr, Amari Cooper and Kelechi Osemele.
Gruden expected quick recoveries by most, but Lynch’s injury is the most worrisome. According to Gruden, Lynch will undergo an MRI this week for a groin strain.
“We’ll have to update you when we know more,” Gruden said. “[Lynch’s] going to be evaluated further, but, yeah, we’re concerned about him and we’re also hopeful that we can continue to use him. We’ll let you know next week.”
It’s unclear when Lynch suffered the groin strain, but it appears to be something Lynch has battled since the beginning of the season. Lynch appeared on the first injury report of the regular season with a groin injury but did not miss any time.
Lynch leads the team with 90 attempts for 376 yards and three touchdowns.
Lynch has been one of the healthier Raiders since returning to the NFL and joining Oakland in 2017. He hasn’t missed a game because of an injury and that durability makes the situation even more significant to Gruden.
“I don’t want to say anything other than any time a man like this is sore, I’m concerned,” Gruden said. “We’ll get him checked out and get it to you as soon as possible.”
LB Johnson released
The Raiders said Tuesday they have released veteran linebacker Derrick Johnson. Johnson, 35, signed on May 4 after being cut by the Kansas City Chiefs. He started Week 1 against the Los Angeles Rams and appeared in six games,