Raiders send home starting offensive line due to coronavirus protocol

In a stunning announcement, Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden said on Wednesday that the team’s starting five offensive linemen were sent home as a precaution after standout right tackle Trent Brown was put on the NFL’s reserve/COVID-19 list earlier in the day.

The Raiders sent the players home as part of the NFL’s guidelines. Gruden said they had all been in close contact with Brown. The hope is that the players (other than Brown) can return Thursday. In addition to Brown, the offensive linemen who were sent home were Rodney Hudson, Gabe Jackson, Kolton Miller and Denzelle Good.

Gruden sounded hopeful that the Raiders will be in solid shape Sunday when they host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“We’ll have five (offensive linemen) Sunday,” Gruden said.

Regardless, it is not ideal that a major part of the offense is away from the team on a critical preparation day before facing a strong Tampa Bay defense.

Also, safety Johnathan Abram was sent home.

Gruden — who had the virus in July — said he was “concerned” about Brown’s health because of the seriousness of the coronavirus.

Brown is the second Raiders’ player put on the reserve/COVID-19 list this week, joining injured rookie cornerback Damon Arnette. Defensive tackle Maurice Hurst was taken off the list this week after being on it for nearly two weeks.