Veteran offensive tackle Sam Young becomes the third player on the Raiders to retire in less than a week.
Vincent Bonsignore
Raiders reporter
Vinny has covered the Raiders extensively in the past, breaking news on their eventual move to Las Vegas and their thwarted return to Los Angeles. Before joining the Review-Journal, he covered the Rams for The Athletic and the Los Angeles Daily News.
The 2019 draftees and undrafted free agents are assuming a significant leadership role on a team that has undergone nearly a complete overhaul since Jon Gruden took over four years ago.
Raiders general manager Mike Mayock has tested positive for COVID and will begin working from home, a person with knowledge of the situation confirmed Monday.
Richie Incognito, 38, has taken on a leadership role on a young offensive line that is expected to do its part for a team looking to avoid another late-season collapse.
The on-field portion of the first week of training camp consisted of nonpadded practices for the Raiders. But that changes Tuesday when they begin practicing in pads.
The Raiders re-signed kicker Dominik Eberle, who spent his 2020 rookie season on the practice squad, to replace Daniel Carlson, who was put on the COVID list Saturday.
Teammates are already raving about Raiders rookie Alex Leatherwood, who has impressed with his power, athletic ability and businesslike approach.
The Raiders’ defense needed an infusion of leadership as much as talent, and Gus Bradley and Yannick Ngakoue have stepped forcefully into that role.
There is confidence that Andre James will provide adequate play at center and that Denzelle Good, John Simpson and Richie Incognito will be able to handle the guard position.
By now he should have solidified himself as one of the best players on the defensive line in the NFL, not fighting to hold onto the starting job.
Raiders wide receiver Henry Ruggs added 13 pounds of muscle during an offseason devoted to getting bigger, stronger and more explosive. And it shows.
As much focus as Derek Carr put on leading the offense on the first day of Raiders training camp Wednesday, he couldn’t help but notice what was going on across the line of scrimmage.
Raiders coach Jon Gruden said he believes one of the worst units on his team last year can be a strength in 2021.
If Aaron Rodgers returns to the Green Bay Packers, the ripple effect might be felt all the way to Las Vegas, where Derek Carr was hoping for a reunion with Davante Adams.
The Raiders put rookie linebacker Divine Deablo and veteran cornerback Isaiah Johnson on the physically unable to perform list Sunday, two days before the start of camp.