Too many turnovers by reserve QBs
Jon Gruden stated after the Raiders’ win over the Packers on Friday night that the team’s backup quarterback play this preseason has been “too inconsistent.”
The most pressing issue in the head coach’s eyes?
“Ball security, number one,” Gruden said this week.
Quarterbacks EJ Manuel and Connor Cook have committed all five of the Raiders’ turnovers in three preseason games. Manuel has lost three fumbles, Cook a fumble and an interception.
Manuel recovered a second fumble against Green Bay on a high snap and Cook had a potential second interception overturned by a penalty. Both have encountered trouble at times with the center-quarterback exchange.
Gruden said the turnovers have been “very preventable” and that the Raiders put quarterbacks through anti-turnover drills every day at practice. The turnovers are one reason neither Manuel nor Cook has been able to seize the backup role behind Derek Carr.
“We’ve turned the ball over too many times, that’s number one,” Gruden said. “And we have to complete some drives, throw the ball more accurately. We have to throw the ball consistently better, take care of the football and move the offense. That’s what we want to see.”
After the Green Bay game, Gruden aired the possibility of looking outside for quarterback help. This week he indicated any additions to the roster remain possible through Saturday, when teams are required to reduce their rosters to 53 players.
“We’re in this business to try to improve every position,” Gruden said Monday. “We’re going to try to be reckless and aggressive trying to improve this team. We’ll see. I don’t know who is available yet. I do know what we have to do now, and that’s what we’re going to focus on.” Hard line: Gruden said one position group in which the Raiders will face difficult roster decisions is the defensive line, which has shown improvement this preseason, particularly in pass rush.
The Raiders have 14 active defensive linemen and likely will have to cut four or five. That total does not include Khalil Mack, whose reserve/ did not report status means he’s not on the active roster.
“I think it will be tough,” Gruden said. “Do we keep nine? Do we keep 10?”
Defensive tackle Frostee Rucker “has come in here,” Gruden continued. “If you watch the first play of the game the other night, his pursuit — he’s still got long speed to go get it.…( Tank) Carradine had his best game. Fadol (Brown) and (Shilique) Calhoun can play special teams. So there are some really good candidates. We’re excited about it.” Practice report: Cornerback Shareece Wright, who hurt his hamstring in the second preseason game against the Rams, returned to practice Tuesday.
Cornerback Nick Nelson, kicker Eddy Piñeiro and defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes were working with a trainer as practice began. Marshawn Lynch and Martavis Bryant were not on the field. Matt Kawahara is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer.