Raiders pushing back against perceptions they’re virus bad boys
With $565,000 in fines accumulated by the organization as well as players and coach Jon Gruden for bein g in v io l a - tion of COVID-19 protocols, Jay Gla zer of Fox Sports reported Sunday the Raiders could be facing an additional heavy fine and possibly the loss of a draft pick or picks.
Tackle Trent Brown, who tested positive for the virus, reportedly was without his tracking device for a period of time in violation of NFL protocols.
Gruden said he had no idea where the report came from and pushed back against the perception that the Raiders are the NFL’s coronavirus bad boys.
“We had a guy get the virus on the bye week. We had a guy perhaps didn’t use his tracer,” Gruden said. “We’re not the only team in the league, just so you know, that has had people catch the virus. Everybody in the country and the world is dealing with the virus, including the president of the United States.
“You can ask Nick Saban, a lot of college coaches. We’re doing everything we can to beat the virus. We’re going to continue to do it. And I encourage everybody … you do the same.”
Where’s Ruggs?
Rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III was targeted just three times, catching two passes for 35 yards, and ran 10 yards with a jet sweep. Gruden conceded Ruggs could be schemed in to the plan more but didn’t absolve the first-round draft pick from responsibility of creating his own opportunities.
Give Tampa Bay credit. T hey covered Ruggs,” Gruden said. “A few times they covered him like a blanket. So Ruggs has to beat one- on- one coverage. Certainly we have to diagram more plays to get him the ball, but when it is one-on-one, we need him to win. He knows that.”
Loose ends
Safety Johnathan Abram was reinstated to the roster from the COVID-19 reserve list as expected. Defensive end David Irving and defensive back Dylan Mabin reverted to the practice squad. Mabin played eight snaps on special teams and Irving was inactive.
• Gruden said he’s “crossing his fingers” that Brown could be back in the building this week.
“I don’t know when he’s eligible to be back in the building but I do know it’s sometime this week, and it’s all pending him passing a test or two or three before that happens,” Gruden said.
• Left guard Richie Incognito, who has been out since Week 2 with an Achilles’ injury, had his “two best days” of work according to Gr uden. Sounds like Incognito could be another week away, however.
• Running back Josh Jacobs (10 carries, 17 yards) has the usual wear and tear of an NFL running back but is relatively healthy. Gruden gave the Buccaneers defense, rated No. 1 against the run, credit for stopping him.