Lynch reportedly fined $12,000 by NFL
The NFL fined Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch $12,000 for a “hand gesture” he made during Sunday’s game at Tennessee, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
The gesture, in this case, was the double bird Lynch flashed in full view of a CBS camera. The incident occurred when Lynch came off the field after a fourthquarter run.
If it matters, he smiled while giving this two-fingered salute. (One clever observation made Thursday on Twitter, in the wake of this Lynch news: “He’s just here so he’ll get fined.”)
Lynch otherwise had a triumphant debut for his hometown team. He gained 76 yards on 18 carries and helped the Raiders work the clock in the fourth quarter of their 26-16 victory. Mack’s impact: Raiders defensive end Khalil Mack was credited with only three tackles in the opener, but his impact stretched deeper. Mack was especially active in the second half, even when Tennessee sent two or three blockers at him.
The Jets, who come to Oakland on Sunday, might not stop there.
“Three wasn’t enough — maybe we’ll try five or six,” New York head coach Todd Bowles said on a conference call. “He’s a tough player. He’s All-Pro for a reason. We just have to try to slow him down a little bit, enough to try to make some plays.” Penn’s extension: The Raiders are close to a two-year contract extension with left tackle Donald Penn, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Penn was a training-camp holdout as he sought a salary among the top 10 among left tackles. His current 2017 salary of $5.95 million ranks 23rd.
Rapoport reported that the extension could get done this week. Briefly: Cornerback Gareon Conley, the first-round draft pick from Ohio State, was a full participant in practice for the first time Thursday. Conley, who missed all four preseason games and Sunday’s opener because of a shin injury, could make his debut against the Jets. … Cornerback Sean Smith (neck) did not practice. … Wide receiver Michael Crabtree turned 30 on Thursday.