Raiders get a huge boost with Trent Brown finally hitting the practice field

The Las Vegas Raiders had a welcome — and huge — sight at practice Wednesday when standout right tackle Trent Brown hit the practice field for the first time during training camp.

The Raiders happily announced his welcome:

Derek Carr, the man Brown is being paid $16.5 million a season to protect, was understandably jacked by the news.

Both Raiders’ coach Jon Gruden and general manager Mike Mayock have indicated in recent days that Brown would soon return to practice. The Raiders never gave a reason why Brown was missing time — Gruden said multiple times Brown wasn’t injured, but he was simply on a schedule.

Brown’s missed time shouldn’t be an issue in the big picture. He has 18 days to prepare for the season opener, at the Carolina Panthers. That’s plenty of time for the 6’8, 380-pound Brown to get ready. In fact, easing him into practice work could keep him fresh. Brown missed fives last last season, his first with the Raiders, and the team missed him.

The Raiders think they will be in decent shape if Brown does have to miss time this season Gruden praised veteran free-agent Sam Young’s play at right tackle during Brown’s absence. So, the Raiders have a double dose of good news. Their star is back and they have a quality backup just in case.