Team plans appeal on Burfict’s behalf
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden expressed hope Tuesday that linebacker Vontaze Burfict can successfully appeal his NFL suspension and return to the field this season.
Burfict was suspended Sept. 30 for the rest of the season after his helmettohelmet hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle in Week 4. Burfict’s appeal was scheduled to be heard Tuesday by NFL appeals officer Derrick Brooks.
Gruden on Tuesday said the Raiders would also make a case to the NFL on Burfict’s behalf.
“I respect the league’s position, I mean they have a tough job,” Gruden said. “At the same time, we have a lot of confidence that they’ll do what’s right. We want Burfict back. He’s already been punished. And we’re hoping he can return to playing soon.”
Burfict’s suspension was the third of his career for an onfield act and the longest punishment given for an onfield act in NFL history. NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan wrote to Burfict that the “contact was unnecessary, flagrant and should have been avoided.”
Several Raiders players have voiced support for Burfict. Derek Carr said the suspension was “a little excessive” and that Burfict’s “heart is broken.” Linebacker Tahir Whitehead termed the length of the suspension “extremely disappointing.”
New receiver: The Raiders announced their trade for receiver Zay Jones, acquired from Buffalo for a 2021 fifthround draft pick.
“He was a very productive guy in college, played in the slot, played split end and flanker, tough guy, smart,” Gruden said. “He’s got a lot of natural skills that are really worth looking into.”
Receivers Tyrell Williams (foot), J.J. Nelson (knee) and Dwayne Harris (ankle) missed Sunday’s game against the Bears. Gruden said the Raiders are unsure of the status of Williams and Nelson after the bye.
Gruden said he’ll spend part of the bye week with his new receiver.
“I’m going to teach Zay Jones some plays today,” Gruden said. “And I’m going to come in tomorrow and teach Zay Jones some more plays.”
Roster moves: The Raiders waived Marcell Ateman, who was elevated from the practice squad last week, to create a roster spot for Jones.
Defensive tackle Justin Ellis was released from injured reserve Tuesday. Ellis, a fourthround pick in 2014, signed a threeyear extension in 2018. He was placed on seasonending IR on Aug. 31 with a knee injury.
Family tradition: With Jay Gruden fired as Washington head coach on Monday, Jon Gruden was asked if he would have interest in adding his brother to the Raiders’ staff.
“I’m not going to speculate about it,” Gruden said. “I’m obviously very disappointed for my brother. It was a long night the last couple nights. He’s worked hard. Got a lot of respect for my brother, obviously, and disappointed for him getting fired. But my dad’s been fired, I’ve been fired, Jay’s been fired. And welcome to the club, bro.”