Oakland Raiders center Barret Robbins returned to the practice field for
the first time in training camp Tuesday afternoon.
Robbins is trying to come back
having disappeared on the eve of the
Raiders’ Super Bowl loss to Tampa Bay. Robbins later sought treatment for mental
illness, didn’t pass his physical Thursday as the team reported to camp and was
subsequently placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Robbins underwent arthroscopic surgery on his
right knee in May but the injury had not healed sufficiently. Robbins
participated in individual drills and about 8-10 plays with
teammates.
“Right now, we’ve got to see how
my knee feels,” Robbins said. “We have to hope that my knee keeps progressing.
The next step would be a padded practice and see how my knee will hope up to a
bull rush.”
Robbins hopes to be ready for a
padded practice later this week. While his work was limited Tuesday afternoon,
it beats the alternative.
“It’s great to be back there, even
with limited reps,” Robbins said. “It felt nice to go through the drills and a
be a part of the team. It’s been on my mind for a good six months. I didn’t
think it would ever come. It’s been an unbelievable journey. at some points, I
didn’t think I’d ever make it. That’s how low I had gotten. I was in a bad state
of mind.”
Goal-line
The morning session of Tuesday’s practice got a little lively with the
Oakland Raiders suiting up in pads and working on goal-line situations.
There were a total of 12 such plays with the offense and defense having
the edge a split number of times at six apiece. When the No. 1 units lined up
against each other, however, the defense had the upper hand on two of the three
plays.
“I really like the defense,” Raiders head coach Bill Callahan said. “I
thought they were really aggressive. They’re well schemed. It seems like they’ve
taken another step in that aspect of their play. We’re normally accustomed to
punching the ball in down there. The defensive guys took it as a challenge.”
Tight end still not back
Backup tight end Marcus Williams, who has missed practice since Sunday
for personal reasons, has yet to return to action.
“I do (know his reasons for missing) and it’s personal right now,”
Callahan said. “As soon as we’re ready to make a statement regarding his status,
I’ll certainly give all the information necessary. It is a private and personal
matter right now. It’s a day-by-day situation.”
C-Wood to host golf tourney
Raiders cornerback Charles Woodson will host the third annual Charles
Woodson Golf Tournament at Wente Golf Course in Livermore, CA. The tournament
will benefit the Fred Finch Youth Center. For more information call (510)
482-2244 ext. 298.
Briefly
Linebacker Napoleon Harris had two interceptions during the afternoon
practice. Anthony Dorsett and Terrence Shaw added picks also to continue helping
their cause in earning the starting strong safety and right cornerback jobs
respectively.
Vince D’Adamo can be reached via e-mail at vdad7@yahoo.com