Raiders’ Cooper dealt to Dallas for pick
The Dallas Cowboys made a bold move for the present Monday, trading their first-round pick in next year’s draft for Oakland receiver Amari Cooper in Raiders coach Jon Gruden’s latest play for the future.
Dallas has struggled to score and replace Dez Bryant, the franchise leader in touchdown catches, and tight end Jason Witten, the club leader in catches. Cowboys receivers have only one 100-yard game, and the team has lost all four of its games on the road, including Sunday at Washington.
Oakland figures to have a good shot at the No. 1 pick next year, and now has three first-rounders.
Cooper, 24, was the fourth overall pick out of Alabama three years ago. He started his career with consecutive 1,000-yard seasons and had two 100-yard games this year, but had only two targets and one catch since then and has been dogged by inconsistency. Cooper has been held under 30 yards in 13 of his last 26 games.
He was placed in the concussion protocol after leaving Oakland’s last game against Seattle on Oct. 14.
The Raiders (1-5) have dealt two key pieces, including two-time All Pro pass rusher Khalil Mack, from a 12-win team in 2016 and look to be in rebuilding mode.
“We’ve got the ammunition to build this thing really well,” general manager Reggie McKenzie said.
It’s not the first time Dallas rolled the dice for a receiver. In 2000, it sent two first-rounders to Seattle for Joey Galloway before three straight 5-11 seasons. In 2008, Dallas got Roy Williams from Detroit for three picks, including a first-rounder. His first full season with Dallas was his best, with 596 yards and seven scores.
Lynch goes on IR
Marshawn Lynch was placed on injured reserve with a groin injury, possibly ending his Oakland career.
Lynch, who leads the Raiders with 331 yards in 77 carries, isn’t eligible to return until Christmas Eve in the home finale.
Injury updates
Tampa Bay linebacker Kwon Alexander and backup Jack Cichy both suffered season-ending knee injuries . ... Miami coach Adam Gase said there is a “very high possibility” Albert Wilson, the Dolphins’ leading receiver, could go on IR with a hip injury. Receiver Kenny Stills (groin) also will miss next week’s game at Houston . ... Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen (sprained elbow) will miss his second game and Derek Anderson will start again against New England . ... Seattle linebacker K.J. Wright and tight end Ed Dickson are expected to make their season debuts against Detroit.
Etc.
Jacksonville’s Blake Bortles will start at quarterback Sunday against Philadelphia after being benched for Cody Kessler in the Jaguars’ third straight loss . ... Arizona coach Steve Wilks emphatically said the Cardinals will not trade star cornerback Patrick Peterson, who reportedly wants out. “Out of the question,” Wilks said.