Raiders practices moved indoors
The Oakland Raiders practiced at an off-site facility for a second consecutive day Friday as thick smoke from California’s deadly wildfires blanketed the Bay Area.
Much like they did a year ago when similar conditions arose due to fires, players and coaches were bused to an indoor gym at the former Alameda Naval Air Station for practices Thursday and Friday. Although the Raiders (1-8) were forced to scale back their workouts as a result, coach Jon Gruden was mostly pleased with how things went under the circumstances.
“It’s like an indoor ice rink that was transformed into a soccer field,” Gruden said. “We didn’t have much room to get the splits and get the routes but I’m not going to make any excuses. We’re not the only people dealing with adversity right now. It was either that or get nothing so I’m really pleased with the players, the coaches and the preparation that we were able to get in.”
Smoke has filled the sky in Northern California for more than a week and the air quality has been at dangerously unhealthy levels in recent days. The Raiders will get a break from the conditions with road games the next two weeks. They play Sunday in Arizona and are in Baltimore to face the Ravens on Nov. 25.
“We have to deal with what we have to deal with,” Gruden said. “We got a lot of reps in. We are confident that they know what to do. We just have to trust that they’ll go out there and perform at the highest level possible.”
Offensive coordinator Greg Olson said that the fires have helped keep things in perspective.
“Our hearts go out to all the people who lost lives and property, and certainly to all the first responders.” Olson said. “For us, yeah, we are missing a practice. We are missing the ability to go outside, but for other people it’s changing their lives or has changed their lives.”
Etc.
Baltimore starting quarterback Joe Flacco is doubtful to play Sunday against Cincinnati, opening the door for rookie Lamar Jackson to possibly make his first career start in the team’s most important game of the season . ... Cincinnati is leaving a slight possibility that receiver A.J. Green could play even though he hasn’t practiced the last two weeks because of a toe injury. Starting linebackers Preston Brown and Nick Vigil are out, and tight end Tyler Kroft was placed on injured reserve . ... Atlanta middle linebacker Deion Jones is still not ready to play and will be inactive Sunday against Dallas. Kicker Matt Bryant will be on Atlanta’s game-day roster after missing the last three games with a sore right hamstring . ... Detroit ruled wide receiver Marvin Jones out Sunday against Carolina because of a knee injury. Panthers receiver Torrey Smith also will miss the game with a knee injury.