ALAMEDA – Raiders first-round cornerback Gareon Conley was limited in three practices this week, including Friday’s light walk-through. That accounts for 75 percent of the team workouts he has had since June.
The Ohio State product was considered questionable to play Sunday’s regular-season opener against the Tennessee Titans. It still seems unrealistic Conley will be able to play so quickly, though the Raiders refused to slam the door on that prospect.
“It’s good to have him back practicing,” head coach Jack Del Rio said. “…We’ll make a decision on him as we get closer to the game.”
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The Raiders are taking a similar approach to kicker Sebastian Janikowski. He was limited all week with a back injury, and the Raiders bought an insurance policy in case he can’t go.
They signed Giorgio Tavecchio to the practice squad on Friday, meaning he’ll travel to Nashville with the team and can be easily promoted Saturday should Janikowski be made unavailable. The transition wouldn’t be hard because Tavecchio spent the last three offseasons with the team. He’s also left footed like Janikowski, meaning the battery wouldn’t need last-minute adjustments.
Max Valles was released off the practice squad in a corresponding move, though he could easily be re-signed once Janikowski’s healthy.
Here’s a complete injury report for the Raiders and Titans.
NFL
Raiders Injury Report
Out
FB Jamize Olawale (quadriceps), S Keith McGill (foot)
Questionable
CB Gareon Conley (shin), LB Cory James (knee), K Sebastian Janikowski (back)
Titans Injury Report
Out
Cb LaShaun Sims (groin)