ALAMEDA – Gareon Conley is in a good space these days, enjoying a normal NFL player’s routine. Days are packed with meetings, weight-room work, practice and physical maintenance.
Notice “rehab” was not in the sentence above.
That’s a good thing, and a relatively new thing for the Raiders cornerback. We all know about the 2017 first-round pick’s recent injury history, from the shin injury that stole his rookie year to the hip issue that sidelined him most of training camp.
With our All Access Daily newsletter, stay in the game with the latest updates on your beloved Bay Area and California sports teams!
SIGN UP HERE Conley’s healthy, feeling good and focused on the routine: Meetings, weights, practice, recovery. That cycle has been on repeat the since Aug. 13, when his hip was cleared for practice.
Now he’s ready for his first regular-season game since Week 3 last year, which kicks off Monday against the Los Angeles Rams.
“I haven’t played in a long time, and it’ll be really good to be out there,” Conley said. “I feel good, getting all these practices back to back without having to worry about my injury. I can just go out there and play.”
Playing through an extended practice stretch promotes development, something the supremely talented Ohio State product never enjoyed as a rookie.
NFL
“When you’re out, you have to step up your mental game and watch more film,” Conley said. “But, just getting back out there, getting more real practice experience with the guys has really helped me out. I feel like I took a couple steps forward.”
That’s a positive for Raiders fans dying to see Conley in action. He made cameos against the New York Jets and Washington last year, but bowed out to shin troubles after that and never returned. Now, he’s primed and ready for his 2018 debut, and the Raiders staff can see him growing within the scheme.
“He has a better understanding of the ins and outs of the system, the adjustments, the coverage adjustments, some of the other things we do,” Raiders defensive coordinator Paul Guenther said. “So he is progressing nicely.”
Practicing well is one thing. Playing well is another, and that’s the next step. Coaches want to see him play physical and tackle well. That test will come against a Rams team with tons of speed, featuring Brandin Cooks, Robert Woods and Cooper Kupp in the pattern.
“They do a lot of bunches and stacks, and speed guys like they have love that stuff,” Conley said. “You have to worry about covering that, and always be on your game. Always expect the ball to come your way no matter what. It should be a good challenge. I’m looking forward to it.”
