Practice moved because of smoke

The Raiders moved Thursday’s practice to an off-site indoor facility because of poor air quality in Alameda caused by the fires in Butte County.

Air quality that has been an issue all week worsened Thursday. At noon, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District was reporting readings in the East Bay in the 190s, just below the benchmark of 200 considered “very unhealthy.”

The Raiders, who normally practice at their Alameda facility Thursday afternoon, instead gathered players a little before noon to depart for an off-site walk-through. Signs on doors to the locker room instructed: “Keep Doors Closed.”

Around 11 a.m., two large buses pulled into the parking lot to await the players. They departed later with a police escort.

Offensive coordinator Greg Olson was asked about adjusting ahead of the Raiders’ game at Arizona on Sunday.

“Well, first of all, our hearts go out to all the people that have lost lives and property, and certainly all the first responders,” Olson said. “I think, No. 1, (about) all those people above everybody. For us, yeah, we’re missing a practice. We’re missing the ability to go outside. But for other people, it’s changing their lives. It’s changed their lives.

“So it’s very unfortunate. But again, you put things in perspective. Nobody here on this team has lost lives or property. So we’re fortunate in that regard. But we always say, you’ve got to be able to adjust. We’ll adjust today. We’ll get our walk-through done indoors, and we’ll make the most of it.”

The Raiders also altered their practice schedule last Friday, shortening it to a walkthrough, but remained at their headquarters and played a game against the Chargers two days later at the Coliseum. Most players reported not feeling affected by the air at the time.

The Raiders (1-8) play at Arizona (2-7) on Sunday afternoon.