Head Coach Jack Del Rio
Two days away from the Oakland Raiders home opener, Head Coach Jack Del Rio spoke with the media about the offensive line and some of the team's injuries. Del Rio and the coaching staff have prepared the team all week to face an explosive offense in the Atlanta Falcons.
Here are the quick hits from his time at the podium:
Del Rio discussed the team's preparation this week and excitement for the home opener.
"A good week's prep, a good football team coming in. It's our first time in the regular season here at home. We're excited to play in front of our home fans and looking forward to a tough game, looking forward to a good, hard fought battle come Sunday. So, we're 48 hours out and from here on really to the game, a lot of mental prep, but we had a good, solid week of practice."
He noted that right tackle Austin Howard would be able to play on Sunday.
"Yeah, he's ready to go."
Del Rio talked about the first time rookie running back Jalen Richard stood out to him.
"It happened during camp, throughout the work during training camp. I think you just continue to see a guy that was hungry, that it didn't appear to be too big for him. He's got good vision, he runs hard, has good hands and day after day, kept impressing and earned his way."
He noted that Lee Smith hasn't been taking reps at right tackle due to the offensive line injuries.
"No, we're ready to adjust as we need to. We got good depth and have a good coach working the group and we'll be ready to roll."
Del Rio shared his thoughts on having 52 players on the roster, instead of 53.
"I'd like to have them all. *(laughter) *We're making it work. I'd defer to [General Manager] Reggie [McKenzie] on that, let him handle that one. But, we'll coach who we have."
