HENDERSON (KTNV) — The Las Vegas Raiders opened training camp Wednesday morning in 95-degree heat, kicking off practice at 7:30 a.m. — earlier than most other teams in the NFL this preseason.
Despite the sweltering conditions, players and coaches embraced the early start.
"It's going to be a lot better than if we were practicing out here at one o'clock," center Tyler Linderbaum said. "There would probably be a lot of guys dropping out."
WATCH | Raiders kick off training camp embracing early morning start time
The sense of urgency was evident from the moment the team broke the huddle — quick, serious, and straight to work.
"I was in the locker room at 7:10 and I'm the only guy in the locker room with two other people," quarterback Kirk Cousins said. "It's because everybody is so ready to go, ready to work and that's the way you want it."
Star defensive end Maxx Crosby returned to the practice field after knee surgery this offseason, and his offensive teammates are already feeling the pressure. Cousins joked about hoping Crosby would take it easy on the quarterbacks in the coming weeks.
"I can't tell you how many people have come up to me and have just been like alright so you know in practice you can't do this," Crosby laughed and said. "You know I have a whole textbook full of rules that I have to follow or I'm going to get in trouble but, I practice one way," Crosby said.
The Raiders will practice in full pads Monday, Aug. 3. This week, the team is focusing on fundamentals and spending much of their time on individual drills.
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
-
Brock Bowers returns to form at Raiders camp as Michael Mayer shows progress
Brock Bowers is back in Raiders training camp looking like one of the NFL's top tight ends. Michael Mayer is also showing promise.
Raiders fans bring optimism to training camp as Mendoza gets first-team reps
Raiders fans brought big expectations to training camp as Fernando Mendoza took first-team reps while Maxx Crosby and Kirk Cousins were held out following a practice scuffle.
Raiders fans bring optimism to training camp as Fernando Mendoza gets first-team reps
Maxx Crosby and Kirk Cousins were held out of practice following a scuffle, opening the door for No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to work with the Raiders’ first-team offense.
Raiders suspend Cousins and Crosby from team drills after practice fight
Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive end Maxx Crosby were suspended from team drills Saturday after a fight during practice the day before.
