The Oakland Raiders completed their 14th day of training camp and their first practice session following their 17-9 win over the Dallas Cowboys. Rolando McClain missed the practice today due what was reportedly a serious family illness.
Prior to the afternoon practice, Thomas Howard had a lot of people worried, myself included, about what had happened when he tweeted “My prayers go out to Rolando McClain and his family.” Quentin Groves followed that up with this tweet, “Prayers and blessings go out to our brother Rolando Mclain his family!! Keep your head up bra!! We here wit you!”
Cable had this to say about McClain absence, “He’s got a personal issue that he’s been excused to handle. He’ll be back quick.”
It was another day of practice in just helmets without pads as they continued their preparation for the regular season.
Among those not practicing were Jacoby Ford (quadriceps),Charlie Frye (wrist), Sebastian Janikowski (personal reasons), Swayze Waters, Luke Lawton (concussion), Rolando McClain (personal reasons), Darren McFadden (hamstring) Walter McFadden (arm), Jay Richardson, Paul Hubbard and Sam Williams (concussion).
- Bruce Gradkowski returned from his groin injury to participate in throwing drills. This could clear his way for action against the Chicago Bears on Saturday.
- Chaz Schilens was back practicing as well. No telling if he will be ready for the Bears game.
- Darrius Heyward-Bey was showing an overall lack of effort today which goes against all the hard work he is supposed to have put in this offseason. There could be any number of reasons, not the least of which is getting discouraged because he is being guarded by Nnamdi Asomugha so much in practice.
- Speaking of Asomugha, he was working at left corner again today a considerable amount. We could see him out of his right corner spot and covering the best receiver on the field before the end of the preseason.
- The offense had too many drops in passing drills, many of which were easy swing passes.
- Raiders spent time practicing what Jon Gruden used to call the “victory play.” This is one play they hope to call frequently in the coming season. It is also called the kneel down to let time expire.
- Word is Charlie Frye is going to see a specialist for his wrist. Says Frye, “I guess they just want to find out some more about what’s going on in there because I can’t throw a football.” If he gets IR’ed, that changes the complexion of the quarterback competition.
Levi Damien contributed to this article
For more info: Check out RaiderNews.com for the latest on the Oakland Raiders.
Patrick Patterson’s other writing:
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