Lynch finally speaks, sort of
Running back avoids national anthem explanation as team breaks camp
NAPA » Marshawn Lynch artfully dodged the topic of sitting for the national anthem Thursday as the Raiders wrapped up their 2017 training camp.
Lynch, speaking for the first time since camp opened on July 28, fielded a few questions before being asked about the “elephant in the room” regarding his decision to remain seated on a cooler during the anthem while eating a banana during the preseason opener in Arizona.
“I think the elephant left the room because a little mouse ran in here,” Lynch said. “Didn’t they say elephants are scared of mice or something? That left the room.”
Later, Lynch was asked if it mattered to him whether fans wearing his jersey during his homecoming game Saturday night against the Rams stood or sat for the national anthem.
His response was to answer a question that was not asked.
“I think the elephant left the room because a little mouse ran in here. Didn’t they say elephants are scared of mice or something? That left the room.” – Oakland Raiders running back Marshawn Lynch
“When we run 74 or something like that, where I have to scan and read on both sides, that is pretty difficult,” Lynch said. “For the most part, I’m a veteran so I can make it work.”
According to Raiders coach Jack Del Rio, Lynch told him after the Arizona game that sitting for the anthem was something he had done for 11 years. Since that time, there have been photos located of Lynch standing for the anthem.
Lynch also touched on playing his first game Saturday at the Coliseum as a member of the Raiders.
“It’s truly a blessing and just to have the opportunity to go and do that is a good feeling. It’s a good feeling.”
Lynch never missed a practice this camp, going 15 for 15 in Napa. The offense began most every team session with a running play to Lynch. He has enjoyed working with the rest of the backs, including second-year players Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington, and being a mentor.
“The biggest thing is that most of them were probably watching me when they were in middle school and high school, so it’s kind of crazy,” Lynch said. “I call all of them my kids so I’m their daddy.”
DEREK CARR WILL PLAY SAT
URDAY » While no quarterback rotation has been set against the Los Angeles Rams, Del Rio said “typically (starters) go into the second quarter, maybe even deep into the second quarter. We’ll see how it’s all going … we’ll adjust as we need to but that’s the plan.”
Asked if that included Derek Carr, Del Rio said “yes.” With left tackle Donald Penn holding out, Carr did not play last week.
Carr has had a solid camp and shown zero signs of anything amiss after the broken fibula that ended his season.
As for Carr’s backup, Del Rio confirmed what has become fairly obvious throughout camp — EJ Manuel has the edge on Connor Cook.
“I think he has done a little more, done enough to be in the second slot,” Del Rio said. “I think they’ll continue to alternate guys and have opportunities to show us. I thought both guys operated pretty darn well the other night.” NO PENN, NO CONLEY » Del Rio and his staff have no choice but to move ahead with the players on the field, but the fact that their Pro Bowl left tackle and first-round draft pick never saw the field wasn’t something the Raiders necessarily anticipated.
In Penn’s case, it was definitely a surprise to Del Rio, who didn’t learn of the holdout until July 27, the day before the Raiders reported. McKenzie presumably had a pretty good idea, considering that Penn contended to NFL Media the club has known since the scouting combine in February he wanted a new contract.
Gareon Conley’s issue remains a mystery, and his two-month stretch of inactivity makes it unlikely he can be ready for action in less than a month for the regular-season opener.
Rookie Obi Melifonwu has been out since the third practice of camp with what is believed to be an ankle injury.
“I know the natural question is going to hit me on a couple of the guys,” Del Rio said. “Obviously, one is not here, his choice. You have a couple of others that haven’t been able to join us at practice yet and they’re working. Until then, we just move on. PUNT STUNT » Offensive lineman Jon Feliciano, Andrew East, the backup long- snapper and defensive lineman Justin Ellis were tasked with catching a Marquette King punt to close camp. Feliciano and East both caught their punts. Ellis missed two chances, the defense did their pushups, and the Raiders training camp was over.