The Raiders are used to playing on an abnormal field at the Coliseum but this may be a new one.
Due to concern over a patch of grass in the middle of the end zone at Winnipeg's IG Stadium, the Raiders and Packers have shortened the field to 80 yards for Thursday's preseason game.
The following statement was issued by the NFL in the first quarter:
"Tonight's game is being played on a reconfigured field. The field met the mandatory practices for the maintenance of surfaces for NFL games based on an inspection yesterday. Concerns arose today surrounding the area where the Blue Bombers' goal posts were previously located. The 10-yard line will function as the goal line at this game. In lieu of kickoffs, the ball will be placed at the 15-yard line."
The teams apparently approved the field yesterday, per the game's promoter, On Ice Management.
The problem stems from the fact that the Canadian Football League uses a different size field from the NFL, including goalposts in the middle of the end zones.
Raiders general manager Mike Mayock was seen earlier taking a look at the turf in question.
The Raiders and Packers are both playing backups almost exclusively thanks to the field conditions. That means no Derek Carr, no Antonio Brown and no Aaron Rodgers.
The third preseason game is usually a time when teams play their starters the most of all the exhibitions, but this field situation has incentivized the teams to avoid injury to key players as the regular-season approaches.
