Oakland Raiders v. New York Jets: A Few Week Two X-Factors
By Kevin Saito
After waiting, literally, all summer to see Oakland’s first-round draft pick on the field, it looks like we’ll be getting the chance to see Conley strap them up against the Jets.
After missing all of training camp and the exhibition season with a shin injury, Conley has been cleared to play, and according to HC Jack Del Rio, we’re going to see the rookie’s debut this weekend.
"“We’re excited to get a look. He’s obviously a talented young man and we really, really liked him coming out. He’s had a little bit of a setback because of some things that were beyond his control, with the medical stuff. That’s cleaned up and he’s ready to roll now so we look forward to watching him play.”"
The only questions that remain to be answered are where Conley will play and how much. With Sean Smith limited in practice this week and his status “questionable” for Sunday with a neck injury, we may potentially get a long look at Conley – though, it’s hard to see Del Rio and DC Ken Norton starting him on the outside alongside David Amerson.
It seems more likely that if Smith is good to go, we’ll see Conley taking snaps in the slot and splitting time with T.J. Carrie. If Smith is out, we’ll likely see Carrie on the outside with Conley taking a bit of a bigger role in the slot.
The coaching staff will likely be looking to get his feet wet and ease Conley into the rotation, rather than simply throw him to the wolves as he adjusts to the size and speed of the NFL.
But – we’re finally going to get to see the long-awaited, long-anticipated debut of who GM Reggie McKenzie thinks may be the Raiders’ next big thing.