Raiders notes: 100 percent attendance at minicamp

Share

ALAMEDA -- Of course, this week's minicamp is mandatory for the Raiders. But having 100 percent attendance -- which means there are no contract stalemates or holdouts -- is a jumpstart for a new regime trying to put its own foot forward."Well, were building a team, and the only way you can build a team is to have everybody here to build the team," said Raiders rookie coach Dennis Allen. "Weve got to work together to build chemistry, build camaraderie within the team, and at the end of the day, its those bonds that you develop during these times and in training camp that take you through the rest of the season."The only two players not seen during the two-plus hour practice on Tuesday were fullback Manase Tonga and safety Mike Mitchell, both of whom are rehabbing knee injuries. Both, though, were in the building, Allen said.Also, center Stefen Wisniewski (shoulder), defensive end Dave Tollefson (calf) and nose tackle Travis Ivey (undisclosed injury) were working out on the side during practice.Following are the players running with the first-team units:OFFENSE -- LT Jared Veldheer, LG Mike Brisiel, C Alex Parsons, RG Cooper Carlisle, RT Khalif Barnes, QB Carson Palmer, FB Owen Schmitt, RB Darren McFadden, WR Darrius Heyward-Bey, WR Denarius Moore, TE Brandon Myers.DEFENSE -- DE Lamarr Houston, DT Richard Seymour, DT Tommy Kelly, DE Matt Shaughnessy, SLB Philip Wheeler, MLB Rolando McClain, WLB Aaron Curry, CB Shawntae Spencer, CB Ron Bartell, FS Michael Huff, SS Tyvon Branch.Myers, on how differently the tight end position will be utilized in new offensive coordinator Greg Knapp's system: "We were kind of nonexistent last year. You know, if you look at the track record with Houston and previous places coach has been, tight ends are a focal point of the zone schemes on the outside off the naked and stuff like that. It's on us to make plays and for them to trust us when it is third down to make the plays."Seymour, on the controversial boxing decision this weekend that gave Tim Bradley a victory over Manny Pacquiao: "That was atrocious. I'm going to ban pay-per-viewuntil they vie me a free fight."Eddie McGee may have had the catch of the day, hauling in a one-handed grab down the left sideline from Palmer. Juron Criner also had an interesting catch, as Palmer's laser drilled him in the chest and just kind of stuck there on a turn-around out pattern. A few inches higher and the ball might have stuck in his facemask.

Contact Us