Melifonwu primed for return, albeit in a diminished Raiders role

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SARASOTA, Fla. – Obi Melifonwu is primed to make his NFL debut Sunday in Miami. Arthroscopic knee surgery delayed it until the season’s second half, but the UConn alum is finally healthy and eligible to return off injured reserve.

That’ll reinforce a banged up secondary and help on special teams. He was drafted as a tight end eraser, covering a position that has given the Raiders defense fits. He was playing some safety/linebacker hybrid, closer to the line of scrimmage, this spring and summer.

The Raiders had big plans for Melifonwu, but so much time missed with ankle and knee injuries have changed them.

He’s behind, and two weeks practice can’t make up that much time.

“He’s shown that he needs some work. When a young guy, regardless of how talented they are, misses as much time as he has practicing, he’s going to be rusty,” head coach Jack Del Rio said last week. “We’ve had a couple good weeks to work him in and get him some looks and prepare him. He’s physically ready to go, and mentally as far as game conditioning and stuff that will have to come. It’s good to see him running around. It’ll be good when we get him back and in the fold.”

Melifonwu should be activated late this week to play the Dolphins. Injuries upended his rookie, but he’s trying to make the most of the second half.

“It’s been a long time coming, but I’m just focused on what I can do to help the team win this week,” Melifonwu said. “I don’t know exactly what that is, but I’ll be up to the task, up to the challenge.”

Mental aspects of playing an uncommon spot have been challenging with so much time missed. It might take that role off the table, with more focus on playing strong safety and special teams. He’ll keep pushing to be productive with whatever he’s asked to do.

“I’m starting to prepare more like I’m playing in the game,” Melifonwu said. “Mentally getting in the playbook even more to figure out the best way to study in order to come back and be effective.”

Even after significant downtime, he’ll be expected to play and produce.

“He’s an athlete,” free safety Reggie Nelson said. “The expectations will be high from me and everyone else who has been watching him since training camp.”

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