Reports: Abram out for game against the Buccaneers
Although he might not be completely sure who he’ll have available, Raiders coach Jon Gruden said Friday his team is preparing as if they’ll play host to Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this weekend.
“We’re going to play Sunday at 1 o’clock, they tell me, and we’ll be ready to go,” Gruden said one day after the NFL moved the game out of the Sunday night primetime slot because of the Raiders’ coronavirus issues.
The Raiders will be without safety Johnathan Abram for the game, according to multiple reports. Abram was listed as having been in high-risk contact with Trent Brown, who had tested positive for the coronavirus.
Abram came in highrisk contact with Brown on Tuesday and would not be cleared in time to play against the Bucs, since NFL protocols dictate that players in Abram’s position must quarantine for five days before they can return.
It appears, though, that four starting offensive linemen for the Raiders — Kolton Miller, Denzelle Good, Gabe Jackson and Rodney Hudson — are on track to play Sunday. The Associated Press and ESPN reported that the team’s latest coronavirus test results all came back negative.
Miller, Good, Jackson, and Hudson have not practiced since Monday due to contact tracing after Brown’s positive test, although they have been able to take part in meetings. They would all be eligible to play against Tampa Bay if they continue to test negative.
“It’s like having these virtual press conferences, you can still get a lot of work done,” Gruden said. “So we’ve had a good week of practice, and we’ll be ready to go.”
The return of the four linemen would avoid what could be a calamity against a Buccaneers defense that already has 22 sacks, thirdmost in the NFL, and leads the league with just 282.0 yards allowed per game.
Brown has only played in one full game this season after he was hurt early in the Raiders’ Week 1 game with the Carolina Panthers.
“We’ve played four games without Trent, we’ve used four different right tackles, so we’re experienced at adjusting,” Gruden said Friday. “We’ll have a right tackle that’s prepared and ready to play.”
An NFL Network report this week indicated there was a belief that Brown had not worn his tracking band on a consistent basis, as mandated by the NFL, and that offensive linemen were seen on video together not wearing masks.
Asked if this would serve as a reminder to his players and the organization about the importance of following protocol, Gruden said, “I’m really proud of our team, of our coaches and our trainers. They’ve done a great job.
“There are protocols that are updated during this process, and safety is paramount. Everybody safety is paramount. So we’re going to have to do what we have to do, make sure we keep our players safe and that’s what we’re doing. But I do believe there’s a good chance those men will be back soon.”
Gruden said when he did talk to Brown, “he is feeling better, and hopefully we get him back here soon. He’s a big part of this team.”
Abram was placed on the COVID-19 list Thursday, and the soonest he would be able to rejoin the Raiders would be Monday.
Abram, 23, had started all five Raiders games this season. He has a combined 28 tackles, two tackles for loss and one interception this season.
Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther on Thursday mentioned Erik Harris, Jeff Heath and Dallin Leavitt as being among those who could step in for Abram.
“John is a big part of what we do, but we also have some guys that have been around here that have reps in practice,” Guenther said. “We get them each and every week in case guys go down.
“We have some corners that have some ability to play safety, that can cover and play in the deep half. We have some guys that are versatile guys, so we’ll just have to see with John whatever the situation is. If he’s playing, great. If not, we have to have somebody step up in his place and play at a high level.”
INJURY LIST >> Raiders receiver Bryan Edwards (toe, ankle) and cornerback Keisean Nixon (groin) will also miss Sunday’s game. Defensive tackle Maliek Collins (shoulder) and defensive end Carl Nassib (toe) are questionable.