Life without Antonio Brown is something Raiders know too well this summer

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ALAMEDA — The Raiders practiced Thursday afternoon without Antonio Brown. That has been a regular thing since training camp, though the reasons have changed.

First it was frostbitten feet. Then it was the helmet issues. Now it’s a Wednesday altercation with general manager Mike Mayock that might leave the wide receiver suspended for conduct detrimental to the team.

Brown isn’t expected to play against the Denver Broncos on Monday night, as the Raiders mull punitive action over Wednesday’s dust-up.

The jury’s still out on that outcome, but the Raiders have to adjust to life without Brown. It hasn’t been hard, considering how much time he has missed this summer for various reasons.

“We’ve been out to practice every day, and we’ve adjusted without him,” Raiders coach Jon Gruden said. ”We never knew sometimes when he was going to practice. So we’re good at it. We’re good at adapting and adjusting, unfortunately.

“I’m going to keep my fingers crossed, and I’m going to say that I’m really excited about the guys we do have, and that we’re doing the best we can. “

The Raiders have an A-minus receiver corps with Brown in the pattern, maybe a flat A. They’re maybe a C-plus without Brown, now fronted by Tyrell Williams -- so-so No. 1, and excellent No. 2 option -- with rookie Hunter Renfrow in the slot.

J.J. Nelson stepped in for Brown at ‘Z’ receiver in training camp, with the speed and agility to make plays on the ball. He sprained an ankle midway through the preseason and just started practicing again this week. Nelson has been limited as the Raiders ease him back to action, so it’s uncertain if he would take Brown’s starting spot.

Ryan Grant is in the mix there as well. Both veterans are competent, but neither brings the wow factor that Brown creates on every snap, even with heavy coverage.

Brown takes focus away from every other Raiders skill player, so having him gone makes life easier on the Broncos and every other team. It allows them to play the Raiders straight up, and maybe shade coverage Williams’ way.

[RELATED: Gruden 'frustrated' by current Brown issue]

Gruden must come up with a game plan to function without Brown and play to the remaining players’ strengths, as if the receiver was injured.

“We’ve been doing that,” Gruden said. “Even in training camp, over the last few weeks, we have been practicing without him and preparing to play. No matter who is injured, you have to adapt. Unfortunately, we had to do that again today. We’re really excited about our receiving corps.”

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