Silver Minings: Gruden big fan of Rob Gronkowski

Jon Gruden loves big, game-changing tight ends and he has often gushed about Rob Gronkowski while Gronk was showing he was perhaps the greatest tight end ever to play with New England Patriots while Gruden was a broadcaster on ESPN’s Monday Night Football.

Now on Sunday, if Gronkowski’s health permits, Gruden will face No. 87 for the first time as an opponent when the Las Vegas Raiders host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gronkowski has played well in recent weeks in his first season with Tampa Bay, but he did miss practice Wednesday with a shoulder injury.

Still, Gruden is ready to take on the big fella.

“He’s a real tight end,” Gruden said on Wednesday. “He reminds me of Jason Witten from a standpoint that he can play as a conventional tight end and run block, pass protect. You can line him up in the slot or outside.

He can dominate the game at any position you put him. Great competitor, great clutch performer. The bigger the game, the better he plays and I know he’s going to be ready Sunday Night.”

Let’s see how the Raiders defense handles Gronkowski when the Bucs come to town on Sunday. It’ll definitely be different to Gronk’s past offseason trips to Las Vegas!

In other Raiders links:

• Sad day: The Raiders remember former player Mario Henderson, who died Wednesday.
• J.J. anyone? Could the Texans trade J.J. Watt and if yes, should the Raiders be interested?
• Irving is excited: New Raiders’ practice squad member David Irving is happy to be with the team.
• Bets are off: Some Nevada sportsbooks took the Raiders-Tampa game off the betting board because of the Raiders’ issues with the coronavirus.
• Tough task for Josh Jacobs: Tampa Bay has allowed just one 100-yard rusher in the past 22 games. Can Jacobs break the trend?