NAPA – The Raiders need several rookies to make an instant impact this season. They can’t do so from the sideline. That’s where five members of the 2017 draft class were anchored during Tuesday’s practice, the first action after an off day.
“It looked like a veteran rest day except it was mostly rookies,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “It was not by design. We’re making progress.”
First-round cornerback Gareon Conley hasn’t practiced this camp with shin splints. Second-round safety Obi Melifonwu and fourth-round offensive tackle David Sharpe have missed several days now. Third-round defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes and seventh-round offensive tackle Jylan Ware were new absentees following minor ailments suffered Sunday.