ALAMEDA — If you thought this year’s roster makeover under Jon Gruden was substantial, just wait until the 2019 Raiders get sorted out.
With Monday’s demotion of James Cowser to the practice squad and the release Saturday of defensive end Bruce Irvin, only 16 players currently on the 53-man roster spent time on the 53-man roster in 2017.
(That figure does not include players currently on injured reserve such as running back Marshawn Lynch, tackle Donald Penn and defensive tackle Justin Ellis, nor does it include Eddy Vanderdoes, currently practicing with the Raiders as they determine whether he will be activated this season after coming off the physically unable to perform list).