Oakland Raiders 2014 Training Camp: Daily Rewind – Day 4

Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

**Note: I started counting training camp days after they reported on Wednesday. So my days counter is one ahead of the Raiders beat writers.

Day 4 of the 2014 Oakland Raiders Training Camp was their first practice in pads, with live contact. On the injury front, Rod Streeter left the end of practice with a head injury, probably a concussion. He will probably miss a day or two as he goes through the concussion protocol. Jake Murphy, an undrafted Rookie TE, suffered a concussion on Saturday, missed Sunday’s session and is going through the league mandated protocol. Linebacker Marshall McFadden didn’t finish practice Sunday as well. In good injury news, rookie corner Keith McGill returned from the PUP list and was a full participant in practice. No other changes with regard to the PUP list.

Matt Schaub is stacking solid days of work and the first padded practice was no exception. All accounts are he had an excellent practice and has been the rock of camp. I’m excited. QB play drives your W/L record in the NFL. We need Schaub at the top of his game is we are going to have a great season. The receivers were making lots of plays today and didn’t have the dropsies like yesterday. Good to hear that group rebounded, that’s a positive sign.

The offensive line again had a great day. There was no tackling allowed at practice today, but it appeared the running backs got loose for some nice runs. Coach Allen said he would have to look at the tape, to know if anyone had a true shot at a tackle to stop those plays. Menalik Watson has been impressive as well. He battled injuries last year, but this year he’s there and showing why the Raiders made him a second round pick in 2013. Austin Howard was also noted as having a good day.

Defensively, all eyes are on the cornerback position. We are eager to see what we have there. Rookie TJ Carrie has been getting some write-ups for solid play and stacking those good days together. Chimdi Chekwa got some praise from Coach Allen at his post practice press conference as well. Allen stated Chekwa keeps getting better and it’s noticeable on the field. I’ve been critical about the depth as CB, but if these two can step up and be solid contributors, Reggie will be commended for staying the course. Tyvon Branch has also gotten some kudos from the Coach for his plays in the passing game. Branch the last two years has not been as good playing the pass, so that praise from the Coach is encouraging.

The first padded practice was very good according to Head Coach, Dennis Allen. He thought is was a “heck” of a practice and praised his Quarterbacks, saying when they have a good practice, you leave the field pleased with the day. The Raiders get after it again today at 3pm, have Tuesday off and are back on Wednesday, presumably at 3pm again.