AFC West Preview: Oakland Raiders should be entertaining if nothing else

Notable Injuries

The Raiders have remained largely injury free during offseason, training camp, and the first two preseason games. However, we cannot leave this section without mentioning Antonio Brown’s feet. When I first heard about this, I honestly thought it was a joke. Brown reported to training camp with frostbite-like injuries to his feet. According to SB Nation,

"Many athletes are now opting for Whole Body Cryotherapy (WBC) as a means to either supplement traditional ice baths, or replace them entirely. This involves standing in a sealed room and being exposed to extremely cold, dry air for a period of 2-3 minutes. Temperatures are normally below -100 degrees, with liquid nitrogen and refrigerated air being used to blast the person receiving treatment."

Brown decided to undergo this treatment in France and did not wear the appropriate footwear. There isn’t a specific timetable for his return although head coach Jon Gruden does expect Brown to be available week 1 of the regular season. That is assuming his helmet issues get resolved. It was reported last night that Brown has filed a new grievance with the NFL.

Brown’s helmet saga is one for the ages. Essentially, his helmet was no longer deemed safe and he didn’t like that. So, he attempted to get around the issue by wearing the same brand of helmet that was manufactured less than 10 years ago. The NFL did not like that and told him he was unable to wear the newer helmet. Now Brown is saying he should be given a one year grace period for the newer helmet. I understand that players want the equipment they are used to, but at some point, it becomes ridiculous. General manager Mike Mayock seems to be getting fed up with it as well.

Brown’s situation is a daily must-watch at this point. It leaves me thinking the Steelers really came out on top when they traded him away.