ALAMEDA – Raiders first-round safety Karl Joseph played zero defensive snaps during Sunday’s victory over New Orleans.
That defied initial projections that he would be an opening day starter. That designation went to Keith McGill, a 2014 fourth-rounder recently converted to safety.
[BAIR: Return to safety helps McGill, Raiders]
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Joseph isn’t quite ready for that. That’s understandable considering he’s still less than a year removed from ACL surgery and missed the offseason program rehabbing from the procedure.
The Raiders believe Joseph will become a quality contributor. That might not be right away.
“At some point he’ll work in,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “He’s like everybody, doing his best to prepare and be ready to go. Played primarily on special teams this past week. I’m sure he’s ready and that’s what we expect of our guys.”
McGill played most every snap against the Saints. Joseph said before the season started that he was still “climbing the mountain” physically and mentally as he continues to get burst and explosiveness back in his knee, something that only comes with work and time. Those traits are key for someone known as a heavy hitter and an athletic ball hawk.
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Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. said Joseph must work on a “combination of things” to improve his game.
The West Virginia alum is a high-effort guy, and continues to push himself toward better play. The next step, it seems, is steady progress on his current path.
“Just continue to work,” Del Rio said. “He’s done a great job of working. Just continue the work that he’s putting in. His time will come.”