Quick introduction for new cornerback
Having signed with the Raiders on Wednesday, the nine snaps cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie played Friday night against Green Bay were about nine more than he expected.
“That was a big surprise,” Rodgers-Cromartie said Monday, “but it felt good to be out there just running around and getting back into game motion.”
Rodgers-Cromartie, 32, spent most of the offseason as a free agent after being released by the Giants in March. He now is tasked with learning as much of the Raiders’ defense as possible before their Sept. 10 opener against the Rams.
“The main thing is just getting your feet back under you,” he said. “To come into a new scheme where the wording is very different, that’s hard. But being around a long time, you understand” coverages.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Rodgers-Cromartie was named second-team All Pro in 2016 but started just five games last season with no interceptions. He said he met with a handful of teams this offseason before finding a fit with the Raiders.
“It’s frustrating because I still feel I have ability, and to be out that long is frustrating,” he said. “But you’ve got to understand, being an older guy, teams are looking to go younger.”
The Raiders have made clear they’re not beholden to that strategy. Head coach Jon Gruden said he thinks Rodgers-Cromartie can play outside and nickel corner, and possibly safety.
“He’s played in every defense known to man,” Gruden said. “And he can still run. He’s got size and length. Right now, he’s mastering our defense. We’ll try to get a few snaps for him, hopefully, at Seattle and we’ll see what happens.” Leg up: Gruden on Monday said it’s “very possible” the Raiders will start the season with Mike Nugent as their kicker and not Eddy Piñeiro, the rookie who was expected to win the job.
Piñeiro has not kicked in the past two preseason games because of a groin injury. Nugent, who signed this month after the Raiders cut Giorgio Tavecchio, has made three of four field-goal tries.
Nugent, 36, has made 81 percent of his field-goal attempts and 96.5 percent of extra-point tries over a 13-year career. He was 11-for-13 with a long of 55 yards last year with the Bears and Cowboys.
“He’s been a good kicker for a long time,” Gruden said. “He’s got mental toughness, ability to overcome a bad game or a bad kick. Right now, he’s the leader in the clubhouse because Eddy’s not healthy.” Mack status: Gruden said he had no update on contract talks with edge rusher Khalil Mack, who has held out all offseason for a long-term extension, or whether Mack will return by Week 1.
“I don’t want to put any timetable on it,” Gruden said. “This has obviously been a long process that’s been grueling for both parties and fans and me personally. We’re just hoping we can get him in here.” Transactions: The Raiders signed free-agent cornerback Jarell Carter and defensive tackle Connor Flagel on Monday. They also released offensive tackle Breno Giacomini.