Oct 27, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders outside linebacker Kevin Burnett (94) holds on to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) during the fourth quarter at O.co Coliseum. The Oakland Raiders defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 21-18. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
After missing last week’s first batch of voluntary Organized Team Activities, veteran linebacker Kevin Burnett bumped the team’s attendance level at OTA’s to 100% as he became the final Raider to attend at least one of the team’s early practice sessions leading up to the 2014 NFL Preseason.
Burnett gave no reason for his absence, but was in contact with head coach Dennis Allen and his agent confirmed to CSN Bay Area’s Scott Bair that he was working out from home last week.
Burnett’s absence may have also been explained by him attending but not participating, ultimately being reported as working off to the side with a trainer with a sore ankle after no reasoning for his absence was given last week.
Meanwhile, LB Kevin Burnett is here, after missing last week's voluntary practices. #Raiders
— Vic Tafur (@VicTafur) June 2, 2014
Kevin Burnett at OTAs for #Raiders, working on side with trainer
— Paul Gutierrez (@PGutierrezESPN) June 2, 2014
#Raiders LB Kevin Burnett was back today, but was working on side field with trainer after having an ankle injury of his own.
— Chris McClain (@ChrisMcClain) June 2, 2014
Burnett’s eventual attendance at Raiders practice sessions was inevitable, but it was good to see the veteran return during the voluntary portion of the offseason after being the only player reported as absent last week. A veteran who rounds out the Raiders underrated depth at the linebacker position, Burnett’s presence could provide some veteran knowledge in addition to the coaching staff for young players such as rookie Khalil Mack as well as Sio Moore and Miles Burris. Burnett had a productive 2013 and should he eventually crack the 53 man roster come the end of the preseason would be a solid contributor at outside linebacker pairing up with Moore/Mack. Once he gets back to 100% health his addition to the fold will be greatly welcomed by Dennis Allen and Jason Tarver as the begin the process of preparing the team’s defense for this season.
OTA Notes
- Antonio Smith, Latavius Murray, and Lucas Nix rounded out the injured players who did not fully participate today.
- The Raiders are considering sharing training camp dates with the Cowboys in Oxnard this season.