The Oakland Raiders got their preseason underway on Saturday with the team taking on the Arizona Cardinals on the road at the University of Phoenix Stadium. Although newcomer Marshawn Lynch didn't make his debut for the Raiders, he made headlines with his actions on the sideline.

The ever controversial Lynch chose to sit for the national anthem before kickoff, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk:

Lynch sat during the national anthem, echoing the actions of Colin Kaepernick, who began a national conversation when he sat during the anthem during the preseason last year. Lynch did not speak to reporters after the game and has not explained why he sat.

Unlike former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick, who has been unable to find work in the NFL this offseason, this is apparently nothing new for Lynch.

Apparently, following the loss to the Cardinals, Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio spoke with Lynch about the subject and the veteran back says he's being himself. Del Rio takes no issue with Lynch's actions, via Jimmy Durkin of the Bay Area News Group:

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Only time will tell if Lynch sitting during the national anthem becomes a distraction for the team moving forward. Del Rio claims it isn't an issue, but if it turns into a hot topic of discussion in Oakland that could quickly change.

Lynch is expected to play a significant role on the Raiders during the 2017 NFL campaign with the veteran taking over as the starter for Latavius Murray. The one-time Pro Bowler chose to leave the team in free agency during the offseason signing with the Minnesota Vikings while Lynch elected to come out of retirement and join his hometown team.

With the addition of Lynch, the Raiders have the potential to be a powerhouse in the AFC once again. Oakland will be a team to watch in the conference and potentially the toughest competition for the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots.