RAIDERS BEAT Tight end Waller hurt, Brown still a mystery

The Raiders will be without a key passcatching target for their joint practices with the Rams — and the status of another remains a mystery.

Tight end Darren Waller , an early standout in camp, was limited Tuesday because of a “mild shoulder problem,” head coach Jon Gruden said, and is not expected to take part in the practices with the Rams on Wednesday and Thursday in Napa.

Gruden said the Raiders are “being smart” with Waller, a projected starter, who also likely will miss the preseason opener against the Rams on Saturday.

Receiver Antonio Brown, meanwhile, remained absent from practice Tuesday because of his unspecified foot ailment.

Gruden said he had “nothing new” on the status of Brown, who has not been seen at a practice since July 30 and reportedly visited a foot specialist late last week.

“He’s gathering information,” Gruden said. “I’ll bring you up to speed when I know something, but I’m not going to sit up here and speculate anymore.”

Although the Raiders have declined to describe the nature of Brown’s ailment, socialmedia photos the receiver posted of his feet last week have led to speculation.

On Tuesday, Pro Football Talk reported that an unnamed source had told former NFL quarterback Chris Simms that Brown is dealing with frostbite after using a cryotherapy machine without appropriate footwear.

Gruden was not asked specifically about that report. He declined to answer further questions when asked if Brown is expected to be available Week 1.

“I have no information until I hear,” Gruden said. “I’m just going to continue to get ready for the scrimmage tomorrow.”

Lawson update: Cornerback Nevin Lawson, who announced Monday on Twitter he expects to serve a fourgame NFL suspension to open the season for unknowingly taking a banned substance, participated in practice Tuesday. If suspended, Lawson is allowed to take part in preseason workouts and games.

Gruden said the Raiders “haven’t heard officially from the league” whether Lawson will be suspended.

“I did not see Nevin’s post,” Gruden said. “We haven’t heard anything official from the league. With that being said, I’ll be respectful of that and not say anything else.”

Different look: Defensive back Lamarcus Joyner, who started at safety last season for the Rams in the Super Bowl, said he expects this week’s practices to be revealing for the Raiders.

“We just want to see who’s willing to play,” Joyner said. “Coach Gruden’s started something new around here, trying to bring back the Silver and Black dread. Starting tomorrow, we want to see who’s willing to play and worthy of wearing that Silver and Black jersey.”