A group of Las Vegas Raiders players has gathered at a local park to practice in the last two years. However, it’s uncertain if they will show up to organized team activities at the Henderson facilities.Â
Players from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Seattle Seahawks, and the Denver Broncos announced they’ve voted not to partake in any voluntary in-person workouts this offseason. Now, the Raiders will hold a vote to decide whether they will follow suit, per Vincent Bonsignore of Las Vegas Review-Journal. He says Las Vegas players want to make sure they are all on the same page. Broncos union representative Brandon McManus said players are currently revisiting the issue after obtaining more information. It’s likely Raiders players don’t want to follow a course of action and later backtrack like their AFC West counterpart.
Keep in mind that if players get hurt at the team facility, they will have injury protection. If they sustain an injury elsewhere, teams won’t be responsible for their compensation or benefits, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Media. Also, Bonsignore points out that six Raiders players have money tied to these offseason activities. The players are quarterback Derek Carr, running back Jalen Richard, linebackers Cory Littleton and Nick Kwiatkoski, and tight end Darren Waller.
Some Raiders players have gotten together to train in the last two years. Then again, it’s not the same as having to go to the facility and practice in a controlled environment. Some players may like the perks they have access to at the facility. Also, running the risk of missing out on workout bonuses and the injury risk that comes to practicing at any other place could give them a pause.
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How does this impact the Raiders?
It’s uncertain what kind of impact not conduction team activities would have on the roster. Veterans love to rest as much as possible. Also, you don’t want your players to go into a season already burned out. There are players such as guard Richie Incognito that may not benefit much from this team’s activities. Thus, it makes sense to skip them and avoid exposing themselves to injuries.
This doesn’t mean veterans should just slack until training camp. Simply, their presence may or may not make much of a difference. On the other hand, young and fringe players benefit from the extra coaching and reps they can get at the facility. Since it isn’t mandatory, they have to weigh the risk and benefits. Players that might be at risk of getting cut can certainly get something out of it. The same is true for first and second-year players.
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Top Photo: Isaac Brekken/Associated Press
