There’s no ‘new news’ to report on Brown
NAPA >> The Raiders continue to worry about things they can control, and it was clear Tuesday they have no control over Antonio Brown.
Brown wasn’t at practice, and any rehabilitation on his blistered feet is being done out of sight. Brown, whose Instagram photo (since deleted) is the only clue as to why he’s not practicing, has been quiet on social media.
After the Raiders had a less than crisp day offensively, coach Jon Gruden had little to say about Brown and when he might return.
“I have nothing new on that, no,” I have no new news,” Gruden said.
Asked if he could say whether Brown was on the premises or attending meetings, Gruden said. “No, I can’t. No. He’s gathering information, and I’ll bring you up to speed when I know something. But I’m not going to sit here and speculate any more.”
Pressed as to whether he expects to see Brown before the regular season opener, Gruden said, “I’m not going to answer any more questions. I have no information so until I hear I’m going to continue to get ready for the scrimmage.”
As unlikely as it seems that the Raiders head coach would be in the dark about such a key player, keep in mind that while Brown will run Gruden’s offense, he’s pretty much a one-man band when it comes to everything else.
Brown handles his own media via social media. During his minimal practice time he was shadowed by a trainer who was not employed by the Raiders. He travels with his own dietician so food is made to his exact specifications. Brown has long pushed the envelope in terms of training methods, and it’s conceivable the problems with his feet came from a training or fitness strategy gone awry.
The Raiders knew all this when they signed Brown, and in fact were impressed with the dedication of someone who employed a handful of people to help keep him at the top of his game.
Gruden was fine with talking about medical issues of other players such as Darren Waller (shoulder) and Jalen Richard (groin), but he had nothing to say about Brown.
And there’s every chance Gruden doesn’t say anything because he doesn’t know.
And speculation with Brown is difficult. He could appear at practice Wednesday and suddenly be his old self. Or he could miss more time.
Gruden sounded as interested as everyone else to know what’s next.
Notes and observations with nine of 16 Napa practices in the books:
• Gruden said he had not seen the initial rough cut of the first “Hard Knocks” episode and had no plans to watch it when it aired Tuesday night.
“We are not going to be eating crackerjacks and peanuts and watching it,” Gruden said. “We got meetings. We got the Rams coming in here, and I know players I’m sure are excited to see the show and they’ve done a good job, the “Hard Knocks” people, putting it together.”
• Waller, the tight end who has had an exceptional camp, stayed out of team drills for the third straight day, and Gruden said he wouldn’t practice against the Rams and would miss the preseason opener Saturday night.
Richard (groin) was back on the field after being backed down for two days. Rookie defensive end Quinton Bell practiced for the first time in a week after an undisclosed injury and tight end Paul Butler was back on the field after several missed sessions.
• Gruden declined to comment on cornerback Nevin Lawson’s announcement on Twitter that he would serve a four-game suspension at the start of the season for being in violation of the NFL policy on performance enhancing drugs.
“We haven’t heard officially from the league,” Gruden said. “I did not see Nevin’s post, but we haven’t heard anything official from the league. That being said I will be respectful of that and not say anything else.”
It is customary for players to learn of their suspension before the team, which in theory is not supposed to be notified until the appeals process is complete.
• Long-snapper Andrew DePaola’s wife Amy gave birth to the couple’s first child Grace Marie on Monday. DePaola said the baby was a week early, 6 pounds, 8 ounces and that everything went perfect. Or mostly perfect, except for DePaola at one point telling his wife as she was in labor that his back was hurting from standing too long.
• There were more balls on the ground than usual compared to earlier practices in camp, including from quarterback Derek Carr and the first team. Carr and Tyrell Williams failed to connect on a few throws that have been mostly automatic. J.J. Nelson dropped a pass over the middle.
On one play, Carr changed the play, directed flexed tight end Derek Carrier to move out a few more yards, then threw the ball to no one on the sideline as Carrier charged ahead, oblivious to where the ball was thrown.
“Probably had a little misunderstanding there with his wide receiver,” Gruden said. “We got to make the corrections.”
• The Raiders went live on a goal line play at the 1-yard line, with Josh Jacobs leaping the pile for a touchdown. DeAndre Washington was stopped short on the next attempt, and lost the ball to the delight of the defense on the final play of the sequence.
• Another solid day for punting candidate A.J. Cole, who appears to have pulled ahead of incumbent Johnny Townsend. Cole’s punts have consistently been higher and longer, and he appears to be doing well as a holder. Cole can also handle kickoff duties.
“This A.J. Cole came out again today and has really put himself in position to win the job,” Gruden said. “I’m not saying he’s in the lead or he’s going to win the job, but he’s putting himself in position for one hell of a battle the next couple of games.”
• With veteran linebackers Vontaze Burfict and Brandon Marshall faring well during practice and Tahir Whitehead a starter and Kyle Wilber a special teams captain a year ago, determining the rest of the position group will be difficult.
Gruden said he has liked what he’s seen of Nick Morrow, the third-year player out of Division III Greenville.
“Morrow, to me, has stood out,” Gruden said. “He’s finding the ball and he’s fast.”