ALAMEDA – DeAndre Washington was the only Raider not practicing on Wednesday. It came as zero surprise.
The third-year running back is recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery to repair an ailment suffered near training camp’s end.
The timing couldn’t have been worse. Washington’s roster spot wasn’t secure despite two solid seasons of work, not with a hard-charging rookie Chris Warren and free-agent signing Doug Martin in the mix.
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He missed the rest of the preseason, but Jon Gruden had seen enough both in camp and on previous game tape. Washington survived final cut. Warren was placed on season-ending injured reserve, and Washington’s around for another campaign.
“It’s unfortunate the injury happened when it did, but I’m definitely glad to still be here,” Washington said.
The Texas Tech product must get healthy and work on establishing a role in a deep running back room. When it comes to recovery, Washington is progressing well.
“I should be back out there pretty soon,” he said. “I’ve already started running and things like that. I feel pretty good right now.”
NFL
Confidence in new kicker
Undrafted rookie Eddy Piñeiro was supposed to be the Raiders kicker this season. That won’t happen. The Florida suffered a groin injury in training camp and was eventually put on IR with no ability to return.
That left veteran Mike Nugent to take the reins. He could have them all season. He has inspired confidence in the coaching staff with his calm under pressure playing an important position.
“He has kicked the ball well since he has been here,” Gruden said. “He has experience kicking off our dirt, but all kinds of surfaces in this league. I don’t think he’s going to be nervous or rattled. He gives us some mental stability and mental toughness at a position that is critical.”
Gruden stays away from stadium issue
The Oakland city council reportedly approved an antitrust lawsuit against the Raiders that could prompt the Silver and Black to leave Oakland a year earlier than expected. That’s far from happening at this stage, but it didn’t prevent Gruden from being asked about the prospect of playing elsewhere in 2019, a year earlier than the team planned to move to Las Vegas.
“I don’t know,” Gruden said. “I hear a lot of rumors, but I try not to listen too much. I don’t know what’s true and what’s not. We’re playing here Monday night. That’s all I know.”
