Raiders rookie safety Johnathan Abram made his NFL debut Monday night. It turns out, that will be the only time he sees the field this season.
Coach Jon Gruden confirmed to reporters Wednesday that Abram will be placed on injured reserve and miss the entire season.
NFL Media's Tom Pelissero first reported Wednesday that Abram was expected to be placed on injured reserve.
Bleacher Report's Adam Lefkoe reported Tuesday that Abram tore his rotator cuff during the Raiders' season-opening 24-16 win over the Broncos.
Losing Abram for the remainder of the season is a huge blow to the Raiders' secondary. The No. 27 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft had a promising debut with three tackles and two quarterback pressures.
Abram was seen throwing his body all over the field in his debut, leading to a few missed tackles and perhaps putting him at risk for injury.
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"I think he probably got a little bit too reckless at times," Raiders coach Jon Gruden said after the win. "He made some great plays, some impact plays and certainly I think some tackles he's got to make for us, he missed, but his debut was pretty good."
Gruden and the Raiders had high hopes for Abram as a rookie. Despite the hard-hitting safety not being able to play in the Senior Bowl, Gruden wanted the former Mississippi State Bulldog next to him as much as possible.
Abram will lose out on his rookie season, hindering his development. But he's sure to be in all meetings, watching film and getting as many mental reps as possible with his fellow teammates and coaches.
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Fourth-year pro Curtis Riley will be the first reserve up if Abram can't go, with Erik Harris available after that. Lamarcus Joyner is best suited at slot cornerback, but he always can move back to safety as well.
