ALAMEDA – Raiders cornerback Gareon Conley hurt his neck during Monday's victory over Denver, a scary moment where he was strapped to a stretcher and carted from the field.
Safety Johnathan Abram's thigh and knee inadvertently hit Conley near the top of his helmet, and pushed the third-year pro down to the turf. He was there for an extended stretch, but gave a thumb's up as he left the field.
The good news came after that, with Conley able to leave an area hospital and return home on Monday night. He came out of that situation in such positive shape that he might play Sunday against Kansas City.
"I'm glad to say that Gareon Conley seems to be doing okay," head coach Jon Gruden said during a Tuesday press conference. "I think there's a chance he might be able to play this week, but we'll have to update his status."
The fact that's even a possibility is a great sign his head and neck area didn't incur significant trauma.
Having him available would benefit the Raiders from a football perspective. The Ohio State alum is this team's No. 1 cover man, able to lock opponents down in one-on-one coverage.
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Conley was off to a solid start before the injury, allowing just two catches for 23 yards on three targets.
Second-round draft pick Trayvon Mullen filled in for Conley and made a few mistakes Gruden is confident he'll learn from in case he's called to action again next week.
The Raiders have unproven rookie depth behind Conley, with Mullen up first and then undrafted rookie Keisean Nixon after that.
Conley said he was doing well on his Instagram Stories account.
"I'm okay," he wrote. "...thanks to everyone who reached out. Thanks Raider Nation and shoutout to my teammates for getting the dub."
