NAPA, Calif. -- Some thoughts on the Oakland Raiders’ first day of training camp:
The news of the day was that the Raiders had to put starting linebacker Aaron Curry on the physically unable to perform list with a knee issue that has been bothering him for awhile. Curry can be taken off the PUP list when he passes a physical. Oakland coach Dennis Allen said Curry is day-today. Curry was in uniform, so it is an indication that he might not be far from returning.
Other key players not practicing Monday were punter Shane Lechler (knee) and cornerback Ron Bartell (hamstring). Allen said both are day-to-day.
The Raiders practiced with a terrific Day 1 tempo, and it looked like they got a lot accomplished. Allen and several players said the practice was pretty clean for a first camp practice.
Fourth-round pick Miles Burris took Curry’s place with the first team. Burris has a chance to contribute right away. The fact that he is getting first-team repetitions so early in camp should only expedite his learning curve.
Receiver Jacoby Ford went down early in camp, giving the team a scare, but he finished the practice in good shape.
Former Oakland star quarterback Rich Gannon gave the team a recent pep talk.
Defensive tackle Travis Ivey, who is 341 pounds, didn’t not pass the team’s conditioning test. He must do so before practicing. Allen said the team’s overall conditioning level is solid, but he wants to see it improve as the season approaches.
Please check back often Monday as I will have plenty of thoughts and news and notes from Day 1 of Oakland’s camp.