Silver Minings: NFL coronavirus test results are encouraging

The Las Vegas Raiders have now been in training camp for 16 days and, while the fight against the coronavirus pandemic is far from over, the statistics are trending in the right direction — in the NFL, at least.

With the Raiders starting to get in pads and start contact practices in four days, that is a strong sign.

NFL medical expert Dr. Allen Sills updated media members with the positive test numbers on Wednesday and it was good news. Less than1% of players have tested positive. Sills also said he doesn’t believe anyone who has tested positive has been, or still is, severely ill.

That is good news for the Raiders. They have two players currently on the reserve/COVID-19 list — defensive end Maxx Crosby and running back Rod Smith. Players are placed on the list if they test positive or if they were exposed to coronavirus. Crosby reportedly tested positive and he indicated last week that he feels good. Running back Devontae Booker was previously on the list, but has been activated.

With the NFL season starting in exactly one month — the Raiders open at the Carolina Panthers on Sept. 13 — this is a positive trend all around.

In other Raiders’ links:

• Early mock: ESPN’s Todd McShay has a mock draft for the 2021 draft.
• Owner talks: Raiders’ owner Mark Davis gives ESPN his thoughts on Jon Gruden and Derek Carr.
• Witten talk: The San Jose Mercury News breaks down what to expect from veteran tight end Jason Witten this season.
• Media in town: Media members watched the Raiders practice for the first time this season.
• Williams feeling good: Receiver Tyrell Williams thinks he is finally healthy.