Oakland Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio insists that Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin‘s absence from practice this week had nothing to do with Ken Norton Jr.’s firing.
There had been some rumblings that there was a bit of turmoil over Norton being fired. Basically, that a bunch of defensive players were not only caught off guard by the firing, but were downright angry that he was used as the fall guy for what are team issues.
“It’s something we do,” Del Rio said, via Matt Schneidman of The Mercury News. “It’s kind of a ‘[Charles] Woodson Wednesday.’ We did it a lot with Charles toward the end of his career. We’ve had good success with guys that have taken a heavy load, being smart with them on that Wednesday. So it’s just a rest day.”
The reason this conspiracy theory gained traction is because both Mack and Irvin barely miss practice. Irvin hadn't missed one all season, and Mack only missed one way back in September.
When pressed about the idea that the players weren't practicing because of the firing, Jack Del Rio stood firm in his original stance.
“No. Not even in the slightest, really,” Del Rio said. “. . . We’re in good shape. The guys understand. It wasn’t anything personal.”
This should put any wacky ideas to bed. I doubt Del Rio would “punish” his players by forcing them not to practice. That would be GOAT level biting off your nose to spite your face type of silliness.
The Raiders need to get right their ship. Preventing guys from getting better on the practice field wouldn't help them do that.
Follow Us
Subscribe