Cornerback Smith plays, gets support from Del Rio

Raiders cornerback Sean

Smith played in the second preseason game Saturday night, two days after he was arrested in Pasadena and charged with felony assault.

Though Smith has not spoken about the accusation that he stomped on his sister’s boyfriend’s head July 4, head coach Jack Del Rio decided to shed some light on what transpired late that night.

“I think we’ll let him battle legally what issues he has,” Del Rio said. “I don’t really have anything to add to it. I mean, I think you heard the story. He was defending his sister. Obviously, things occurred that were taken issue with, so he’s having to defend himself right now.”

Smith surrendered to authorities and was released Thursday night on an $80,000 bond. He has an arraignment set for Sept. 29, and his lawyer said Smith, who also faces a charge of battery with serious bodily injury, will plead not guilty.

On the field, Smith struggled at training camp and in the preseason opener, looking slow-footed against fast receivers. He was a little better against the Rams on Saturday, breaking up a pass in the end zone and finishing with two tackles. Smith, 30, is guaranteed $9.5 million this season.

Del Rio inserted TJ Carrie in Smith’s starting spot, but the four-year veteran was abused by Los Angeles rookie Cooper Kupp (six catches for 70 yards in one half ) on Saturday.

Del Rio would love for firstround pick Gareon Conley to step forward, but the cornerback missed all of training camp with a shin injury. Conley started running again Aug. 13, and Del Rio said there is a chance he could be ready by the season opener Sept. 10.