Injury bug bites team’s first-round pick again
Conley, the top ’17 selection, out 2 weeks after missing much of last year
NAPA >> Cornerback Gareon Conley’s hopes of putting last season’s injury-shortened rookie season behind him are on hold because of a hip injury.
The Raiders’ first-round draft pick in 2017 is facing a possible two-week absence. It’s a frustrating blow considering the No. 24 overall pick — and the Raiders — were eager for a fresh start after
a shin injury sidelined him for all but two games last season.
Coach Jon Gruden said Monday there was no time frame on Conley, but termed two weeks “a fair assessment.”
Conley’s absence could stretch past next weeks practices on Aug. 9 and 10 with the Detroit Lions leading in to the preseason opener between the two teams on Aug. 10 at the Coliseum.
“His heart is broken, he’s put a lot into this, and he knows that he’s got to stay healthy and get out there for us because we need him,” Gruden said.
The 24th overall pick last season missed Week 1, played Weeks 2 and 3, then sat out the final 13 games of the season.
Daryl Worley continued working with the first team defense at left cornerback, with Rashaan
Melvin at right cornerback.
Conley’s injury news came on a day the Raiders held their second padded practice, adding some heat to the mix with a 2:30 p.m. starting time
They get their first day off today, by virtue of the collective bargaining agreement.
“When you get seven, eight days into training camp, the nostalgia of everything is over now,” Gruden said. “We’ve got to do something with this opportunity.”
Of note from Day 4 of full-squad practices:
• The play of the day was a leaping back shoulder catch 20 yards downfield from rookie seventhround draft pick Marcel Ateman on a pass from Derek Carr.
“It was man to man, we had a different play called, (Carr) saw Marcel in press coverage and he changed the play,” Gruden said. “He knew he had press coverage. He liked the matchup. That’s rare, when a veteran quarterback call’s a rookie’s number.”
• All three quarterbacks had strong days in both 9-on-7 and team sessions. Connor Cook, competing with E.J. Manuel to back up Carr, made a number of solid throws.
“I think he’s doing better. He really is,” Gruden said. “I think he’s taken to the offense, he’s showing more and more command.”
• Running back James Butler was signed as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa and was put in the mix immediately with Jalen Richard (calf strain) and Chris Warren (undisclosed) both injured.
Gruden is hopeful both backs will return Wednesday.
• Vadal Alexander, a third-year lineman who played in 24 games with nine starts over two seasons but did not report to camp, will be released.
“I’ll let Reggie (McKenzie) handle the exact nature of that, but I believe we’re going to move on,” Gruden said.
If picked up by another team, Alexander will open the season with a fourgame suspension for violating the NFL policy on performance enhancing drugs.
• Much was made of veteran receiver Jordy Nelson’s knowledge and experience in terms of adding him to the receiving room, and the veteran has spent most moments in between snaps offering pointers, advice and council to young receivers.
“There’s a fine line. These guys have been together, but I’m new and the whole coaching staff is new,” Nelson said. “I think we’re all just trying to learn the system and what the coaches want. As we progress, and after having conversations with coaches and Derek, the ability to relay that will continue to grow through camp and through the season.”
• With left tackle Donald Penn still out while rehabbing his off-season foot injury, first-round draft pick Kolton Miller is getting a crash course at the most important position on the offensive line.
The Raiders have urged right end Bruce Irvin to bring his “A” game against the rookie. Gruden had Derek Carr change protections at the last second Monday. Crowd noise has been piped in to simulate the crowd — something
that usually isn’t done this early in camp.
Miller even had to stand and sing for his teammates Sunday night.
“We’re trying to get everything we can to get him to buckle under the pressure,” Gruden said. “But he has responded.”
• The Raiders offensive line remains one of the biggest in the NFL, but it’s not quite as huge as a year ago. That includes David Sharpe, who is listed at 343 pounds but is actually 338 and last season played at over 350.
“We weren’t really happy when we got here. A lot of the linemen were overweight, heavy,” Gruden said. “Sharpe has come back, lost a lot of weight, he’s a contender at right tackle.”
• Nick Nelson, a fourthround draft pick out of Wisconsin, has flashed at cornerback and Gruden said he was a contender to play slot corner.
“We need somebody that has some physical substance to him that can go in there and take on blocks, blitz, cover the slot, handle the tight end,” Gruden said. “He gives us some versatility.”
• Safety Obi Melifonwu, a second-round pick last year who has “physical substance”but saw his rookie year wiped out by injury, filled a gap and put a good hit on Butler late in the practice session.