Davante Adams is not expected to play in Saturday’s preseason game against the Cowboys and it’s fair to wonder if the Raiders star wide receiver and head coach Antonio Pierce are in lockstep on his status for the game.
Earlier in the week, Adams acknowledged that a few preseason reps might benefit the offense, but made it clear that he didn’t prefer to play in the preseason.
“A few reps could help, but just based off of the risk, it’s not on mind as something that I’m looking forward to,” Adams said on Tuesday. “I look forward to the games to watch the guys go at it and watch the team get better and all the things that go on with that. But… if I’m choosing, I’m not playing.”
The next day, Pierce announced that he expects all healthy starters to play against the Cowboys.
Adams wasn’t known to be injured at the time of Pierce’s statement, but less than 24 hours later he showed up to practice in street clothes.
It was suggested that Adams might have been given a rest day, but it seems odd that he would need more time on the sideline after missing most of the final week of training camp.
Adams missed the final days of camp in Costa Mesa for good reason (the birth of his third child), but even those closest to the team seem to think he might have been playing hooky this week to avoid suiting up against the Cowboys.
If so, is that a maneuver that would sit well with Pierce, who would clearly prefer Adams to play in Saturday’s game?
It’s possible that Pierce and Adams have some kind of understanding, but it didn’t appear that way in their public statements this week.
For now, there’s no reason to make more of the situation than what it is, but Adams is definitely going to be a player to keep an eye on this year… especially if things don’t go wonderfully for him and/or the Raiders in the first half of the season.
x: @raidersbeat
Coach said everyone plays, everyone should play. Suit up play . Adams has a responsibility to the team. Is preseason BS. yes, that is not the point. It is all about the team.
RAIDERS
grasping at straws. if you need content for an article write about AOC vs Minshew’s mustaches. Don’t stir the pot or it might splash back in your eye and blind you
All to do about nothing.
just trade his a** already. he’s obviously a diva. one less distraction and get some draft capital
I was at the Henderson camp on Tuesday, Adams was a full go, looked happy . Signed autographs and took pictures . Try harder to sell this false narrative