Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The Raiders went full pads for the third practice in a row on Wednesday after a day off on Tuesday. Coach Allen didn’t think it was as crisp a practice as he would have liked. He thought the Defense had the better of the day. There was the give and take he likes to see, with the D better early and the O redeeming itself at the end of practice. They worked several game situations on Wednesday. They also started to get some guys looks in different positions.
Injuries
Austin Howard’s back got tight, so he didn’t finish practice. Antonio Smith didn’t finish practice with a twinge in his groin. Rod Streeter was back at practice with some limitations. He said he would be a full go for Thursdays practice. Also back were tight ends Jake Murphy from a concussion and Nick Kasa from the PUP list. No other changes on the injury front.
Offense
Matt Schaub continued his good camp. Todays practice was capped by a nice 10 play, two minute drill drive for a touchdown, which was capped by a D.Moore catch. Menalik Watson got beat by Woodley quite a bit today, but that is just all part of his learning process. With Howard out, rookie Gabe Jackson got reps with the first team at right guard and looked good. Tony Bergstrom took second team reps at Center, with Kevin Booth at right guard on the second unit. Marcel Reese had a great leaping catch over Branch, hopefully we see more passes to Reese this year.
Defense
Woodley and Tuck has their best practices thus far as Raiders. Sio Moore and Miles Burris continue to take turns running with the first team at outside linebacker. Both made some good stops in the run game and Sio had a nice breakup on a pass, while covering tight end Rivera. As I mentioned earlier, Coach Allen thought the Defense got the better of practice. The rookie cornerbacks are still holding their own, keeping Reggie off the waver wire.
Sounds like another solid practice in the books. The Oakland Raiders are building up to their first preseason game next Friday Aug.8, vs. the Vikings. They are also slated to practice in Oxnard against the Dallas Cowboys on August 12th and 13th. All signs are encouraging thus far thru camp.