Lynch ‘soaking Up the System,' Easing Into Raiders OTA Practices

ALAMEDA – Marshawn Lynch didn't bring his helmet to Tuesday's OTA practice. Didn't need it then, or on Monday. It's uncertain when he'll need it next.

Not for a cameo appearance during individual drills. The veteran running back wasn't available during team sessions, and spent most of the two-hour practice working in the team's performance center.

Lynch skipping full-speed work isn't cause for alarm. First of all, it's May. Second, Lynch is in great shape but still ramping back up after a season away from NFL football. It would make sense to ease him back in during the spring.

Head coach Jack Del Rio didn't say when Lynch's activity would increase, but wasn't concerned one bit about Lynch's limited OTA participation – he routinely skipped them while playing in Seattle -- and praised the Oakland native's level of involvement in the Raiders offseason program since a new contract was worked out and his rights were acquired from Seattle on April 26.

"He's coming along. He's doing great. There are no issues there," Del Rio said. "He has been here like he said he would. He has really been committed. He said, ‘Coach, this is home for me. It's not like I'm going home and I won't be here. He is committed to being here and is excited to be a Raider. We're excited to have him."

Lynch was on the practice field for some team periods analyzing plays with offensive teammates, and was working out with them after the session. Del Rio didn't delve into when Lynch's on-field activity would increase, but there's no reason to rush a veteran player who ultimately must be ready come September.

"He's doing great," Del Rio said. "He'll continue to do the things we're asking him to do. He is really soaking up the system, and has done a great job fitting in."

That's clear. He gets on well with left tackle Donald Penn and kicker Sebastian Janikowski, and gravitates toward fellow former Seahawks like edge rusher Bruce Irvin and defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. General manager Reggie McKenzie said last week Lynch was already entrenched in the Raiders locker-room culture, which was evident in how teammates talked about him.

"Getting Marshawn has been great," Penn said. "He brings a lot of energy here and a lot of momentum. It feels good having him here. We joke around a lot, having fun. You all probably don't know Marshawn, but he's a pretty funny guy. He's really cool, and it's good having him around here."

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