OAKLAND – Connor Cook put the Raiders in scoring position at the end of the first half, with time for one play to properly set Eddy Piñeiro's field goal try.
Jon Gruden called for a run to the right, setting the rookie up in place he'd normally avoid -- on the infield dirt.
The Raiders head coach did it on purpose. He wanted Piñeiro gain experience doing kicking field goal off the unforgiving surface. Oakland Coliseum is the only venue that hosts football and baseball, forcing teams to play on infield dirt while the Athletics are in season.
Piñeiro hadn't kicked off dirt before warm-ups heading into Friday's preseason opener versus Detroit. This was a golden opportunity to give Piñeiro his first in-game attempt from the dirt.
Gruden set it up well. Piñeiro knocked it down from 48 yards out.
"I remember when we drafted (Sebastian Janikowski in 2000), it was like being on a foreign planet for him when he got here and started kicking off the dirt," Gruden said after a 16-10 victory over the Lions. "We did manage to get him a couple looks, and that wasn't a short field goal. That was a big field goal a lengthy one to end the half."
Piñeiro took second shot from dirt 45 yards away. He nailed that one, too, and was glad to have a few opportunities during a preseason game.
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"I mean, the more kicks the better," the undrafted rookie said. "I'm just trying to gain experience, especially in preseason."
While Mike Nugent is also in Raiders camp, he doesn't pose a real threat to Piñeiro securing the kicking job. That's especially true after Friday, when he was perfect in three attempts, two from 45 yards or farther.
The Raiders have two home games scheduled during MLB's regular season – meaning the infield dirt will be present – with another possibly impacted if the streaking Athletics advance in the postseason.
It's something to get used to for sure," Piñeiro said. "It was different, way different than kicking off grass. It was fun."
'Warren'-ting a roster spot?
Undrafted rookie Chris Warren III will see a heavy workload throughout the preseason, especially with veterans Marshawn Lynch and Doug Martin preserved for games that actually count.
It's entirely possible Lynch is done for the preseason – he showed burst, acceleration and speen during 60-yard touchdown run called back by penalty – and Martin won't be used much more.
That give Warren plenty of chances to prove his worth. He got 13 on Friday, compiling 86 yards on 6.6 yards per carry. That included a 26-yard run in the third quarter where the bruiser flashed showed some speed in space.
"He's a hammer, he can really thump you and he's got breakaway speed," Gruden said. "But he's improving in the passing game, he's become more and more of a running back instead of just a runner. He's becoming a receiver, blitz pickup, all those little details are improving but he's got a lot of talent."
Warren is in a trio battling with Jalen Richard and DeAndre Washington for possibly two roster spots. Washington had 38 yards on six carries. Richard had five yards on three carries, but had four catches for 35 yards.
Backup QB battle still on
Cook was given the first crack at preseason action with the second team on Friday, and took full advantage. He completed 11-of-19 passes for 141 yards and a touchdown during his best stretch as a professional.
He moved the ball consistently. He made two nice throws on the run, including a touchdown strike to Ryan Switzer where only the receiver could catch it. He wasn't perfect but showed poise in the pocket, was largely accurate and got the ball out on time.
"He's had an excellent training camp, he's not turned the ball over, he's showing pretty good command, there are a couple decisions I just can't wait to talk to him about and get his perspective," Gruden said Friday night. "But he moved the team, put points on the board."
Manuel didn't have as great night working with the third unit. He was 4-for-6 passing for 46 yards, and lost a fumbled snap on the Lions' 6-yard line. That's a no-no.
While Cook seems to have an early leg up on the backup quarterback job, Gruden said the competition's far from over. Manuel will get more work in next week's preseason game at the L.A. Rams, with a chance to surge.
Injury update
Cornerback Gareon Conley warmed up with his teammates before Friday's game, a sign that he's close to returning from a hip injury suffered in training camp's first full-squad workout. He has been participating in walk through sessions, but needs to get some preseason experience to prepare for the regular season.
"Gareon's got a chance to be back with us on the practice field Monday," Gruden said. "And he's close to full go, too. He's really close. He's really healed quickly and my prayers have been answered."
Rookie edge rusher Arden Key skipped Friday's game with an ankle sprain, but could be back to play the Rams. Safety Marcus Gilchrist, receivers Seth Roberts and Dwayne Harris, safety Obi Melifonwu, offensive tackles Brandon Parker and Breno Giacomini and linebacker Nicholas Morrow were among the Raiders would didn't play due to injury.
Left tackle Donald Penn will work out for coaches on Saturday, a session that should give the Raiders a progress report on his health, and when he might be activated off the physically unable to perform list. He hasn't practiced while recovering from Dec. 2017 foot surgery.
