Brown’s absence dismays Gruden
After receiver Antonio Brown practiced for the first time in Raiders camp Tuesday, head coach Jon Gruden said he hoped Brown could “get closer” to a full return after Wednesday’s offday.
Instead, Brown did not practice Thursday or Friday due to an injury that remains undisclosed.
While teammates have voiced optimism that Brown will return soon, Gruden on Friday took a more pointed tone when asked about Brown’s absence.
“I mean, I think we’re all disappointed,” Gruden said. “We think he’s disappointed. We’d like to get the party started. We’d like to get him out here. He’s a big part of this team. But in the time being, we’re going to continue
to work hard and we’ve seen a development of some other receivers we’re excited about.”
Brown began camp on the nonfootball injury list but was removed after one practice when he passed a physical, the Raiders said. Brown took part in his only padded practice Tuesday. He stretched with the team and ran several routes in 1on1 drills before leaving the field. Gruden said it was planned for Brown to exit practice early.
Brown was on the sideline as a spectator for previous practices, but was not seen at practice Thursday or Friday.
Gruden mentioned receiver Tyrell Williams and tight end Darren Waller as passing targets who have played well in Brown’s absence. But he deflected a question about the possible benefit of other receivers getting more reps with Brown out.
“I’m not going to get into all that, I want the guy out here as soon as possible,” Gruden said. “I’d like him to never leave and stay in the huddle every play. But life goes on. You have to continue to work. Other guys have to take advantage of this opportunity, and so far they have.” Fast start: J.J. Nelson, another newcomer at receiver, is also “starting to make some plays in many different situations,” Gruden said.
Nelson made perhaps the best play of Friday’s practice during the 7on7 period.