WATFORD, England – A Raiders player strode past a massive media contingent here in the United Kingdom on Wednesday morning with a towel over his head.
He was walking away from practice to prep for Sunday’s game against Chicago, clearly unable to participate but wanting to keep his identity hidden.
He should’ve kept the towel on a little longer. A few local reporters waited him out, and were eventually able to ID him. 2019 No. 4 overall NFL draft pick Clelin Ferrell was unavailable to practice, as he's now in the NFL’s concussion protocol.
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He’s not the only vital cog unable to work at the start of this practice week. Receiver Tyrell Williams was right alongside Ferrell, unable to go due to a foot injury.
Head coach Jon Gruden considers both of those players questionable at this stage, though there’s time for them to get right before the clash with the Bears at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
Both guys are essential to what the Raiders do.
Williams is the team’s best receiver by far, and losing him for any stretch is a massive blow. Odds are good, however, that he should be able to go by Sunday. That’s important, considering there’s no legitimate threat at the position without Williams, which means tight end Darren Waller will see even more attention than he already gets.
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While Ferrell hasn’t been an impactful pass rusher to this stage of his rookie year, he’s a three-down player who has proved solid against the run and capable of making big plays on passing downs.
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The Raiders did get some good news, with Dwayne Harris back to work after missing the last two games with an ankle sprain. J.J. Nelson was also active after missing Sunday’s victory over Indianapolis with a leg issue.
The Silver and Black will release a full participation report later in the day.