
NAPA – Raiders running back Latavius Murray believes he can do better than last year, when he exceeded 1,000 yards and made his first Pro Bowl. He has worked hard this offseason, to be a smarter, technically sound runner.
He also knows that rushing is a team effort, unsuccessful without quality blocking up front. The Raiders have the horses to be an excellent run-blocking unit, especially inside with guards Kelechi Osemele and Gabe Jackson and center Rodney Hudson.
The Raiders want to improve their run game, and Murray believes that will happen. The offensive line gives him confidence.
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“I have high expectations for me running behind that great line,” Murray said Thursday. “I’m excited to see what we go out there and do in the run game and just as an offense, it obviously starts up front with them.”
Autry wearing brace
Raiders defensive lineman Denico Autry missed the offseason program with injury, and checked in to training camp on Thursday with a brace guarding his right hand and wrist.
It’s uncertain if he’ll be ready to practice in early portions of training camp, though they’ll need him healthy during the regular season as part of a rotation along the defensive front.
NFL
Raiders check in
Most Raiders veterans checked in to the Napa Valley Marriott on Thursday afternoon, typically armed with suitcases alone. Punter Marquette King checked in wearing green Power Rangers mask, to the delight of Khalil Mack, who filmed the entire process.
No words needed. You kno what we came here to do...
A photo posted by Marquette King (@marquetteking) on Jul 28, 2016 at 1:55pm PDT
Cornerback Sean Smith came in stylin’ backing up through the media throng wearing a hat making him easy to identify.
Sean Smith, easy to ID without a jersey number...
A photo posted by Scott Bair (@baircsn) on Jul 28, 2016 at 10:59am PDT
Alumni Weekend
Raiders owner Mark Davis invites Raiders alumni to training camp in Napa each year, and this year’s event is this weekend. Many popular Raiders will attend practices and a gala on Friday night.
Important dates
The Raiders roster has reported to Napa for training camp, the team’s home for the next three weeks. Here are some important dates in that span and throughout the preseason.
Friday: First full-squad practice
Aug. 12: Raiders at Arizona Cardinals
Aug. 16: Camp breaks
Aug. 18: Raiders at Green Bay Packers
Aug. 27: Raider vs. Titans
Aug. 30: Roster cut to 75 players
Sept. 1: Raiders vs. Seahawks
Sept. 3: Roster cut to 53 players