Gruden ‘really concerned’ that Bryant has knee ligament tear

Head coach Jon Gruden said the Raiders are worried about the severity of a knee injury to wide receiver Martavis Bryant, who left Sunday’s loss to the Chargers in the second half.

Bryant had three catches for 17 yards in the Raiders’ 20-6 loss before departing. He was walking in the locker room after the game. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported the Raiders fear Bryant sustained a tear of his posterior cruciate ligament and Bryant was going for further tests.

Bryant, 26, has 19 receptions for 266 yards in eight games this season. The Raiders acquired him in April from Pittsburgh for a third-round draft pick.

Gruden did not provide specifics about Bryant’s injury. Receiver Jordy Nelson also briefly exited with a quadriceps injury but returned. Nelson had no catches and was targeted once.

“It’s just hard,” Gruden said. “You’re losing Jordy Nelson, then you lose your ‘X’ receiver (Bryant). It’s just tough right now. But it doesn’t look good. I’m really concerned about Bryant.”

Flare-up: Tight end Jared Cook was targeted the most among Raiders players with nine for four receptions and 52 yards, including a 31-yard catch on which he celebrated demonstrably.

Cook appeared to jaw with Chargers defenders on multiple occasions. At least one reportedly talked about Cook after the game.

Chargers cornerback Desmond

King II said of Cook, according to the Athletic: “I don’t know what his problem was. He was trippin’ for real.” Chargers safety Derwin

James was asked about the chippy atmosphere late in the game.

“It was just one of those things,” James said. “The heat of the battle, adversity, everybody out there just going through the moment.”

Tough time: Sunday’s game was played in smoky conditions with air quality affected by the Camp Fire in Butte County. Many stadium workers and some attendees wore masks. Players, for the most part, said the air quality did not affect them.

“I didn’t feel anything,” said Chargers defensive end Melvin

Ingram. “I was good.” Raiders linebacker Marquel

Lee said he cited the conditions in a pregame team speech.

“It means whatever comes our way, we’re going to take it, and we’re going to persevere,” Lee said.

Gruden also referenced wildfires burning in Southern California, saying: “I think a lot of us have friends, relatives and loved ones that are going through a lot right now. Most important, let’s just hope the fires end and hopefully we keep things in perspective. It’s been a tough week here in California.”

Something off: Quarterback Derek Carr, typically upbeat, had a notably different demeanor at his postgame news conference but declined to reveal the cause.

“I think something happened that just frustrated me,” Carr said. “Deep down, I’m good, I promise. Something happened that just kind of bugged me. And it has nothing to do with me — and I’m not going to tell you.”