Raiders-Colts inactives: Reggie Nelson, Rashaan Melvin both inactive as youngsters get the nod

There is a youth movement in Oakland as the team has shifting into full rebuild mode. That means there is no sense in a 35-year-old safety taking the field. For that reason, Reggie Nelson is inactive for today’s game.

Expected to see some considerable playing time in the game is Karl Joseph and Erik Harris as the team looks to see what they have in them.

For Joseph, it could be either for the future as a player, or the future with regard to draft picks they can yield in a trade. Either way, he must see the field for that.

Also inactive is Rashaan Melvin who a couple weeks ago tweeted that he was frustrated, adding “I’m done trying to change my style. It’s not me. Back to what I know and what got me here!!”

Gruden was asked about it the following day and responding with a bit of shade.

“I heard there was a Twitter report out there,” said Gruden. “Melvin is on his seventh team, I think. He’s had different techniques. Maybe he’s confused, I don’t know. I’ll talk to him. But he has to play better. He’s in a competitive situation. Perhaps he’s frustrated, and I can’t blame him.”

Now he’s benched against his former team. Coincidence? Probably not.

Raiders

WR Marcell Ateman

LB Shilique Calhoun

LB Emmanuel Lamur

CB Rashaan Melvin

T Justin Murray

S Reggie Nelson

G Kelechi Osemele

Notes: Starting in place of Kelechi Osemele at left guard will be Jon Feliciano. Daryl Worley and Gareon Conley are expected to start at the corner spots in place of Rashaan Melvin. Rookie cornerback Nick Nelson is also active for the game. Jason Cabinda was just activated from the practice squad last week and gets the start at linebacker in place of Emmanuel Lamur.

Colts

OL Denzelle Good

WR Ryan Grant

S Malik Hooker

WR Steve Ishmael

DT Hassan Ridgeway

TE Erik Swoope

RB Robert Turbin

Notes: Dontrelle Inman gets the start at wide receiver in place of Ryan Grant. Former Raiders second round pick Mike Mitchell gets the nod at safety in place of Malik Hooker. Safety Clayton Geathers was questionable after missing the last two practices. He is active and should start.