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The end is finally almost here as wide receiver Antonio Brown nears a return to competitive football.
Brown, 31, has been sidelined with a score of controversies and an injury, preventing the seven-time Pro-Bowl wideout from participating in Oakland Raiders practice, much to the chagrin of teammates and coaches.
Nevertheless, the 5-foot-10 receiver does not look like he has lost a step while practicing for head coach Jon Gruden's team.
AB looking ready for Week 1 đź‘€
(via @Raiders)pic.twitter.com/U1vZvcy2Jx
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) September 3, 2019
Brown was traded in the offseason by the Pittsburgh Steelers after nine seasons with the AFC North franchise to the Raiders in exchange for third- and fifth-round draft picks. In the past, Brown has led the NFL in receptions and receiving yards while competing in black and yellow.
Now, he enters a new phase of his career with the black and silver. While a foot injury possibly bore from improperly undergoing cryotherapy held Brown out from Raiders practice, the veteran receiver was also dealing with a legal battle with the NFL due to Brown's insistence to wear a now-outdated model of helmet. After being twice struck down in court, Brown found a workable model of his favorite headwear and at last made a return to the gridiron following his preseason absence.
Brown will be seen as a go-to target for franchise quarterback Derek Carr, a three-time Pro-Bowler who is missing a star wideout after the Raiders traded former first-rounder Amari Cooper to the Dallas Cowboys last year midseason.
Should Brown prove to be his old self (on the field at least), Oakland will have a significant boost in playmaking and nearly unrivaled potential at the wide receiver position.