Police dog Raider wins over players
NAPA, Calif. — One of the day’s biggest hits on the field took place well after practice had ended.
Raider, a Dutch shepherd police dog for the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, made the trip
Cole, who is looking to unseat incumbent Johnny Townsend, was listed as the backup when the first unofficial depth chart was released Monday.
Gruden’s comments reflect a wide-open competition, though
Cole will also have to prove he can also serve as a holder after Townsend thrived in that role a season ago after the Raiders used a fifth-round pick on him.
“(Cole) can kick off, he can hold and he can punt,” Gruden said. “He’s got a great leg.”
Townsend, more of a directional punter, finished near the bottom of the league with a 43.2 yard average last season.
Injury report
Tight end Paul Butler and defensive end Quinton Bell returned to practice Tuesday after missing several sessions last week. Defensive tackles Gabe Wright and Eddie Vanderdoes remained sidelined, along with wide receiver Antonio Brown.
Tight end Darren Waller got in his second consecutive limited practice. A sprained shoulder joint caused him to miss a day last week. Gruden said he doesn’t expect Waller to see much action the next two days.
Defensive tackle P.J. Hall appeared to tweak his lower back early in practice. He returned after receiving treatment on the field before leaving for good a few minutes later.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@ reviewjournal.com. Follow @ Adamhilllvrj on Twitter.