Raiders defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. did nothing Thursday to downplay the rising expectations surrounding rookie cornerback Gareon Conley.
Conley, the team’s first-round draft choice from Ohio State, missed all four exhibition games and the regular-season opener because of a shin injury. But he played well in his NFL debut Sunday against the Jets, allowing only one pass completion and taking advantage of the playing time made available when Sean Smith missed the game with a neck/shoulder injury.
Smith, after participating fully in Wednesday’s practice, was limited Thursday. That suggests Conley again could serve as the third cornerback Sunday night at Washington, behind starters David Amerson and TJ Carrie.