ALAMEDA, Calif. _ Michael Crabtree's appeal was successful in reducing his two-game suspension to one, the NFL announced Tuesday afternoon.
Appeals officer Derrick Brooks heard Crabtree's case and cut his suspension in half, meaning the Raiders' wide receiver will only miss this Sunday's game at home against the Giants. He is eligible to return to the roster on Monday, Dec. 4, in time for a week of preparation before Oakland visits Kansas City the following Sunday.
Crabtree was initially suspended two games for unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct violations in last Sunday's first-quarter fight against the Broncos. After Denver cornerback Aqib Talib ripped Crabtree's chain off his neck _ again _ a scuffle ensued out of bounds. It turned into an all-out brawl, ending with Crabtree and Talib throwing punches in the end zone.
Both players were ejected, and their suspensions will come without pay.
Talib's suspension was also reduced from two games to one.
Crabtree leads the Raiders with six touchdown catches and is tied for first on the team with 42 receptions. He ranks second in receiving yards (502) and targets (66). In his one-game absence, the Raiders will call up rookie wide receiver Isaac Whitney (USC) from the practice squad.
Amari Cooper's status for Sunday's game is also uncertain, as he remains in the concussion protocol while also dealing with a sprained ankle suffered on the same play that concussed him.
Oakland kicks off against the Giants (2-9) at 1:25 p.m. PST this Sunday from the Coliseum.
