Crabtree out for Sunday, Cooper might be
The Raiders appear to be preparing for the possibility of playing Sunday without both Michael Crabtree and Amari Cooper.
On Wednesday, Oakland promoted rookie receiver Isaac Whitney from the practice squad to take the roster spot of Crabtree, who is suspended for Sunday’s game against the Giants.
Cooper did not practice Wednesday because of a concussion and ankle injury suffered on the same play against the Broncos on Sunday. If Cooper can’t play, the Raiders’ receivers would consist of Seth Roberts, Cordarrelle Patterson, Johnny Holton and Whitney.
Whitney (6-foot-2, 204 pounds) signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in May after playing two seasons at USC, for which he appeared in 13 games with 11 catches for 144 yards and two touchdowns. He has spent all season on the practice squad.
“He’s taken advantage of the reps and improved his play as we’ve gone throughout the year,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “I know he’s excited about having the opportunity to go out and play. We’re likely to have him up and let him participate and look forward to watching him.”
Whitney said he often works with quarterback Derek Carr catching passes after practice but will seek extra work this week “to get in rhythm.”
The Raiders also signed receiver Tevaun Smith to fill out their practice squad. Smith appeared in two games for the Colts last season after signing as an undrafted free agent. On Crabtree: Del Rio was not pleased when the league announced a two-game suspension for Crabtree on Monday night, airing his disagreement on Twitter. He still sounded unhappy when asked Wednesday about Crabtree’s suspension being reduced to one game.
“The league has to do what it has to do,” Del Rio said. “I’ll do my job. My job is to coach the guys. I don’t have to like everything they do, and often I don’t. So this would be an example of that.” No question: Del Rio said the Raiders did not weigh bringing kicker Sebastian Janikowski back from injured reserve before using their final such designation Tuesday on cornerback Antonio Hamilton. The move ensured Janikowski (back) will not play this season.
“I don’t believe he’s been cleared to the point of being ready to do that,” Del Rio said, “but that wasn’t ever a consideration. I think Giorgio (Tavecchio) has handled the job, done a nice job with it. There’s no reason to change at this
“I don’t have to like everything (NFL officials) do, and often I don’t.” Jack Del Rio, Raiders head coach, on the punishment for receiver Michael Crabtree
point.” Injury report: Cornerback David Amerson practiced for the first time since Nov. 1. Amerson, who has missed the past four games with a foot injury, was limited.
Guard Gabe Jackson (ankle) and Patterson (hip) also were limited. Cooper and linebacker Cory James (knee) did not practice. Defensive end Khalil Mack and linebacker Bruce Irvin were listed as non-injury nonparticipants. Both were given a Wednesday “rest-type” day for the second week in a row.