The Raiders have been cautious with Gareon Conley's return from shin surgery. The cornerback's clearance turned from red to yellow earlier in the offseason program, but finally went green in time to start the OTAs.
Last year's first-round pick was reportedly a first-team cover man during the Raiders first OTA session on Tuesday. It was one of three open to the media.
The Raiders plan for him to be there throughout the regular season, and believe he has the makings of a No. 1 cornerback.
Head coach Jon Gruden has been excited to see the Ohio State product in action, as part of cornerback corps also featuring Rashaan Melvin and Daryl Worley.
"Yeah, it's great to see Conley out there," Gruden said after Tuesday's OTA session. "We're counting on him. We need him. But to see Rashaan Melvin and Conley and [Daryl] Worley competing is really exciting.
Conley was impressive during his first offseason program, until he hurt his shin during the team's June 2017 minicamp. Conley barely played after that, with two games action and a handful of limited practices. He had surgery to repair his shin in Nov. 2017, and was eased back into action somewhat.
Conley doesn't have an injury history save last year's mishap, and could have a real impact if he remains healthy and continues to progress.
Sports
"Conley is special," Gruden said. "He's a top pick in this draft for a reason. I think from a confidence standpoint, he needs to get some work in out here."
The player Oakland selected after Conley last year still hasn't been cleared to work. Safety Obi Melifonwu wasn't able to participate in Tuesday's team drills, the first time this offseason offense and defense can play against each other.
The UConn product missed last season's first half recovering from arthroscopic knee surgery, and then needed hip surgery after the season. He still isn't ready for a return.
"It doesn't look close at all," Gruden said. "I'll leave it at that. He doesn't look close, to me, at all."
Physical issues are problematic for a player looking to earn a role on the team. The team is stocked at safety, with Karl Joseph, Reggie Nelson and Marcus Gilchrist leading the way.
"He doesn't look ready to roll yet," Gruden said. "So, I don't let anybody practice without being able to go physically. He doesn't look like he's 100 percent. I haven't seen much of Obi except in the training room."
NOTES
-- Khalil Mack was not present for the start of voluntary OTAs, as expected. The elite edge rusher has missed the entire offseason program to this point, withholding services while waiting for a big-money contract extension the the Raiders have budgeted to give him.
-- Gruden said receiver Amari Cooper is dealing with a hamstring injury.
-- Left tackle Donald Penn is working his way back from foot surgery, and participated in individual drills on Tuesday. He was held back during team sessions, leaving David Sharpe to take first-team reps at left tackle. Breno Giacomini manned the first-team right tackle spot.
-- Rookies Kolton Miller (left tackle) and Brandon Parker (right tackle) worked with reserve units at this stage. Gruden was impressed with how both players absorbed the offense.
-- Fourth-round cornerback Nick Nelson remains out recovering from meniscus surgery. As previously reported, he's expected back for training camp.
-- The Raiders are planning to have training camp practices against another team, but Gruden didn't want to reveal the opponent until arrangements are finalized.
