October 6, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders cornerback DJ Hayden (25) intercepts the ball against San Diego Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen (13) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Raiders defeated the Chargers 27-17. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
DJ Hayden entered Raiders OTA’s last week in the best shape of his life and looking forward to his first full offseason as complications from surgery surrounding his horrific injury at the University of Houston as a senior. Hayden then hit the IR after missing most of the preseason, but worked hard all offseason to get in shape and had head coach Dennis Allen sharing in his excitement over the 2013 first rounder getting a first normal offseason as a Raider.
Well Hayden’s streak of 100% participation on the field at Raiders preseason activities came to an end on Monday during the team’s voluntary workouts as the media quickly reported that he was in a walking boot and watching on the sidelines, causing a brief scare amongst Raider Nation.
Luckily it was a simple rolled ankle according the ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, something that afflicted running back Latavius Murray who also hit the IR as a rookie last season.
DJ Hayden rolled an ankle last week, as did Latavius Murray
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) June 2, 2014
After practice Dennis Allen assured the media Hayden’s injury is not serious according to CSN Bay Area’s Fallon Smith.
Dennis Allen said DJ Hayden didn't practice bc he rolled his ankle last week but it's not too serious. #Raiders @CSNRaiders
— Fallon Marie Christopher (@FallonSmithTV) June 2, 2014
Hayden’s health is key to the Raiders success in 2014 as the team is planning on the second year player to be one of their focal points at cornerback and occupy one of the top spots on the depth chart. Having done all he can to prepare his body over the offseason, gaining ten pounds of muscle in the process, Hayden needs a little luck to start going his way. Once the injury bug stops picking on Hayden everything should be fine and the promising career the Raiders staff hopes is in his future can come to fruition.