NAPA - One of the Raiders biggest players was missing from tonight's practice.
Defensive tackle Terdell Sands was held for undisclosed reasons. No explanation as to whether he's injured or just in trouble. He practiced this morning.
Maybe its just coincidence, but the Raiders signed defensive tackle Jared Clauss. Clauss is from Iowan and in his third pro season after time with the Titans and Redskins. He practiced tonight and easily beat Paul McQuistan in a pass blocking drill in his first work against the offense.
With defensive tackle Josh Shaw still out with a knee injury and Sands not practicing, Clauss saw a lot of action tonight.
Besides drills, he played a lot in the goal line package.
*There was finally some hitting following Saturday's preseason game. The players were in shoulder pads and shorts and did had some one-on-one pass blocking drills.
There were some good match ups. Among the high lights were linebacker Ricky Brown using a swim move to dismiss Dominic Rhodes block.
Sam Williams vs. LaMont Jordan made for a loud collision.
No one could really block Thomas Howard.
In offensive line vs. defensive line drills, Tyler Brayton got to yapping again after getting beat by the offensive line.
The drill called for two offensive lineman to block two defenders. Tackle Mario Henderson blocked his man (Quentin Moses) down and then knocked Brayton down.
I don't think Brayton liked getting pushed in the back, but all is fair in the trenches.
*In team scrimmaging, the offense started off with nice plays with catches by Zach Miller and Mike Williams from Andrew Walter.
Then the defense took over the rest of the way.
*And finally, Lane Kiffin will spend tonight in the hospital with a viral infection is the latest words from the Raiders.
They are "optimistic" he will be back soon.
No one knows when soon is.
--Jason Jones
About Comments
Reader comments on Sacbee.com are the opinions of the writer, not The Sacramento Bee. If you see an objectionable comment, click the "report abuse" button below it. We will delete comments containing inappropriate links, obscenities, hate speech, and personal attacks. Flagrant or repeat violators will be banned. See more about comments here.