Raiders’ mum on pregame plans for recognizing social injustice
Whatever plans the Raiders have made to recognize the plight of social injustice before Sunday’s road game against the Carolina Panthers will remain under wraps until just before kickoff.
In Thursday night’s NFL season opening game, the Kansas City Chiefs and Houston Texans joined in a moment of unity at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs were on the field for the National Anthem as well as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” as performed by Alicia Keys, a song known as the “Black Anthem.”
The Houston Texans, as part of their recognition of social injustice, remained in the locker room for both songs.
Coach Jon Gruden declined to specify Friday what the Raiders will do or if Carolina will be involved.
“I think we’re all together on what we’re going to do,” Gruden said. “Our players have discussed it, and I’ll leave it at that.”
In 2017, after President Trump was critical of NFL players for kneeling during the anthem in response to Colin Kaepernick’s protest regarding police brutality, players from both the Raiders and Washington kneeled for the anthem for their game in Week 3.
The Raiders under Jack Del Rio considered not coming out for the anthem, but then decided against it because there wouldn’t be enough time to make it out in time to be ready to go at kickoff. As a result, some players knelt — the offensive line in particular — and some didn’t.
Owner Mark Davis later told ESPN he thought those events had a profound effect on on a season that ended up 6-10 one year after being 12-4.
“I don’t know what the hell happened, but we got destroyed in the game and it just seemed like the team never picked itself back up,” Davis said.
Gruden said on Aug. 28 the Raiders were going to “make an impact” in the area of social injustice, but as yet no plans have been announced. He did take notice of Friday being the 19th anniversary of the terrorist attacks in 2001.
“Today is 9/11, which is a day where we really need to consider all the people that suffered and how awful that day was,” Gruden said. “I just hope our country can unite quickly. That’s all I’m hoping for.”
CORONAVIRUS PRECAUTIONS
The Raiders left for Charlotte with a list of strict NFL road protocols which will keep players close at hand as well as being tested continuously, which has been happening since the start of training camp.
“It’s very strict, and I give credit for making it strict,” Gruden said. “This virus is still knocking people to their knees. It ticks me off. We’ve got to do a better job disciplining ourselves. We can’t let up. The NFL has given stringent rules for what we can do and can’t do and we have to follow them.”
ARTIFICIAL NOISE
Gruden said the Raiders have been practicing this week with various levels of artificial crowd noise to simulate conditions against Carolina.
“We’ll be ready for any noise that they have,” Gruden said.
INJURY REPORT: EVERYONE IS GOOD TO GO
It’s worth a good look, because it’s unlikely the Raiders will see another injury report like the issued Friday before departing for their first game of the season.
All 53 players practiced, and no one was listed as “questionable.” The only player who was limited was left guard Richie Incognito (Achilles), and as a 37-year-old veteran, he may not fully participate in a practice all season.
Right tackle Trent Brown, who was brought along slowly in training camp, was a full participant both Thursday and Friday. Cornerback Damon Arnette (thumb/groin), wearing a soft cast on his right hand, was a full participant for the first time this week on a day normally reserved for work in the red zone on both sides of the ball.
Two players the Raiders expected to be ready for the opener as camp began are on injured reserve. Tyrell Williams is out for the season with a torn labrum, and quarterback Marcus Mariota will miss at least the first three weeks of the season, reportedly with a pectoral strain.