Worley ‘deserves’ chance after arrest
Head coach Jon Gruden said the Raiders gathered background information on cornerback Daryl Worley before signing him Monday, days after Worley was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and other charges.
Worley, 23, was released by the Eagles on April 15 after being arrested in Philadelphia earlier that day. He was on the field Tuesday with the Raiders for their veteran minicamp practice.
“We looked into it, and obviously, it was an unfortunate matter,” Gruden said. “We have a lot of intel on Worley with (safety) Karl Joseph here, who was his teammate at West Virginia. (Linebacker) Bruce Irvin played at West Virginia.
“We have a lot of insight in him, talked to some of his previous coaches. We think he deserves another chance and
we’re happy to give him one. And I think he’s learned his lesson, and he’s got to prove that. And he can help us, if he’s right.”
NFL Network reported police had arrested Worley after finding him passed out in a vehicle blocking an intersection near the Eagles’ facility. ESPN reported Worley faces six charges including driving under the influence and carrying a firearm without a license. Worley has a preliminary hearing set for May 1.
A third-round pick by Carolina in 2016, Worley started 25 games for the Panthers over the past two seasons. Carolina traded Worley to the Eagles in March for receiver Torrey Smith.
Taking care: Neither of the Raiders’ top 2017 draft picks, cornerback Gareon Conley and safety Obi Melifonwu, was a full participant in Tuesday’s practice.
Conley (shin) and Melifonwu (hip) are returning from surgery that cut their rookie seasons short. The two combined to play just 126 snaps in 2017.
“They participated in the morning session, the walkthrough, and they did some of the individual work this afternoon,” Gruden said. “They’re real close. But for obvious reasons, we’re being careful with them this early in the process.”
Mack absent: Edge rusher Khalil Mack remained absent from the Raiders’ facility as the sides continue to negotiate a potential long-term extension for the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year.
Gruden said he had no updates on Mack and added: “We’re just focusing on the men that are here and that’s all we can do right now.” Quarterback Derek Carr, who signed his five-year, $125 million extension in June, said he has been in contact with Mack.
“When it comes to somebody else’s money, I don’t get in their pockets. I don’t go anywhere near it,” Carr said. “But I just check on him as a person, make sure he’s doing good, let him know everything’s fine here.”