Raiders’ defense:
Unit is on the rise, says Rams head coach Sean McVay following joint practice.
$56 million contract extension prior to the 2017 season.
Last season, Jackson missed the final three games with an elbow injury. Denzelle Good started at right guard in his place. But Good is currently on the physically unable to perform list recovering from offseason back surgery and is not expected to be ready by Week 1.
The Raiders also will be without projected starting left guard Richie Incognito for the first two games this season because of an NFL suspension. Jonathan Cooper, signed as a backup, has worked exclusively on the left side in training camp.
“It’ll be an opportunity for a guy like Denver Kirkland, who’s been here for a few years,” Gruden said. “We brought in Jonathan Cooper to help us out at left guard. We’ll have to put our heads together and take a look at where we’re going.” No Brown: Gruden maintained his silence on Antonio Brown as the receiver remained absent from practice Thursday, saying only that Brown is “still gathering” information on his ailing feet.
Multiple outlets reported Wednesday that Brown is dealing with frostbite — ESPN called it “extreme” — on his feet as a result of using a cryotherapy machine without appropriate footwear.
Gruden was asked if those reports are accurate.
“I’m not going to get into the exact nature of the feet,” Gruden said. “I’m just not.”
Brown has participated in just one of the Raiders’ nine padded practices during training camp. In Brown’s absence, receiver J.J. Nelson has been impressive, Gruden said.
“Every day, if you look at the film, Nelson’s making big plays deep,” Gruden said. “Derek (Carr) likes him, and I think that’s something we’re going to continue to probe.”
Receiver Ryan Grant missed practice with a lower back contusion. Linebackers Kyle Wilber (back soreness) and Nick Morrow were also absent — Gruden said Morrow had a dental appointment.