You never want to jinx yourself in times like this, but as of now, the Raiders have steered clear of the pitfalls of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Across the league, there have been players who have not been able to report because they tested positive for COVID-19 or who have opted out of the 2020 season for fear of contracting it. The Raiders have yet to have an instance of either.
“I have not heard of any of our players doing that, so we’re pleased to announce it,” Jon Gruden said over a Zoom call on Thursday of Raiders players opting out of the season.
As for any players testing positive and being placed on the COVID-19 list and not being able to report, Gruden said, “I don’t have any to report yet. It’s a daily process. So far so good, but I don’t have any to report today.”
Whether the Raiders are indeed in the clear as of right now is uncertain. Especially with a report this morning that running back Devontae Booker has tested positive and is expected to be placed on the COVID-19 list.
Despite the Booker report, it is somewhat otherwise reassuring for the some 30 players who attended the player practices in a Las Vegas park this offseason, at which fans would often show up and request autographs.
It appears the players came out of that ok, which is good news. But as Gruden notes, it’s a daily process, so it’s something we must keep an eye on.
