Although the events surrounding Antonio Brown have hovered over the Oakland Raiders during training camp and the preseason, he finally managed to end the saga for the time being by returning to practice.
Brown has been dealing with a number of issues that have limited his participation heading into the 2019 NFL season. Aside from a botched cryotherapy session that left both of his feet blistered with frostbite, he has also taken action against the NFL for not allowing him to wear his usual helmet.
While Brown’s feet have healed up enough to allow him to get some work in, the helmet issue continues to serve as a thorn in the Raiders’ side. Fortunately, head coach Jon Gruden feels they are finally starting to move past it.
According to Albert Breer of the MMQB, he is optimistic that Brown is ready to commit at this point int he preseason:
Raiders coach Jon Gruden was asked if Antonio Brown showing means he's all-in, smiled and responded, "Is that some sort of joke? Yeah, he's in, all-in, that's what he said."
On the kind of helmet Brown's wearing, Gruden said, "It's a certified helmet. He's all-in, ready to go."
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) August 20, 2019
Gruden’s confidence is certainly an encouraging sign, however, there is good reason to take his optimism with a grain of salt considering all that has transpired this offseason. It appears the Raiders may be hoping to take things one day at a time with Brown.
Raiders general manager Mike Mayock recently sounded off on the issue by suggesting that the team has explored all options to help get it situated. Meanwhile, Brown has ramped up his efforts to find one that was manufactured after 2010 and reports suggest that he has also filed a second grievance against the NFL in order to get approval for his old helmet.
It is safe to assume that Gruden will continue to remain hopeful that the situation will not linger into the 2019 campaign more than it already has. He has ushered in some significant changes to the roster since his arrival and he is far too deep into his tenure to start changing course now.
The Raiders made quite the investment to secure Brown as the No. 1 option in their passing game moving forward and have high expectations that he can help lead a potential resurgence on offense this season. Any further setbacks will only serve as a major hindrance in Oakland’s attempts at a comeback.
