ALAMEDA – The Raiders quietly were optimistic wide receiver Tyrell Williams would be able to play against the Chicago Bears in London despite missing that practice week with a foot injury.
Didn't happen.
The team's No. 1 receiver didn't return to practice after the bye week and remained out Wednesday as they begin preparation in earnest for Sunday's showdown in Green Bay.
Raiders head coach Jon Gruden got a bit more specific with Williams' foot injury after Wednesday's practice, saying he was dealing with plantar fasciitis.
"Whatever that is, he has," Gruden said. "It's not getting much better."
The injury stems from inflammation in the band that connects the heel to the toes. It can be extremely painful and debilitating for athletes. The injury can take some time to heal, even with aggressive treatment.
That's terrible news for the Raiders receiver corps, a position group in near constant flux. They need Williams active and available to improve in the passing game, where they barely contributed in a 24-21 victory over the Bears.
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The Raiders were also without right tackle Trent Brown on Wednesday due to a calf strain suffered in practice two days before. He was seem rehabbing in a pool next to the team's practice fields with defensive end Arden Key, who is out with a knee injury.
Gruden hopes that right guard Gabe Jackson can play his first game of the year Sunday after returning from a knee injury earlier this week.
"We're going to see how he feels after this practice, and again tomorrow," Gruden said. "He took a few reps on Monday, a few more today, and we'll put the pads on tomorrow. We're going to listen to him."
Gruden also noted that fill-in right guard Denzelle Good was excused for a personal matter and should return to work on Thursday.
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Also, the Packers signed former Raiders receiver Ryan Grant on Wednesday. The veteran was cut after a few weeks due to ineffectiveness. He'll certainly get peppered to share intel on the Raiders offensive scheme.
Here's the full Raiders participation report:
Raiders practice report
WEDNESDAY
Did not practice
RT Trent Brown (calf)
G Denzelle Good (not injury related)
DE Arden Key (knee)
WR Tyrell Williams (foot)
Limited practice
DB Lamarcus Joyner (groin)
G Gabe Jackson (knee)
WR Dwayne Harris (ankle)
Full practice
DE Clelin Ferrell (concussion)
RB Josh Jacobs (elbow)
LB Nicholas Morrow (ankle)
TE Darren Waller (foot)
