ALAMEDA, Calif. — Antonio Brown took part in a pre-practice walk-through at the Oakland Raiders‘ facility Tuesday before retreating to the weight room, changing into cleats from sneakers, and then returning for the end of the team stretch period.
And with that, the media viewing window closed as practice began.
Brown, who has filed a second grievance against the NFL over his being denied use of his preferred helmet, never had a helmet in his possession so it was not clear how much the receiver would participate.
Coach Jon Gruden is scheduled to speak to reporters following practice.
Brown left the team twice in training camp in Napa, California — the first time for two weeks to ostensibly seek treatment for his frostbitten feet; the second time on Sunday, skipping out on practice in anger over the league denying his helmet.
It prompted an “all in, or all out” ultimatum from general manager Mike Mayock on Sunday.
The team broke camp in Napa on Monday and began working at the team facility Tuesday.
The Raiders play the Green Bay Packers in their exhibition finale on Thursday night in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada.
Gruden earlier said he anticipated taking everyone on the road, but he was doubtful that starters would play.
Brown, meanwhile, addressed the microscope he’s been under in a teaser for the next episode of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” on Tuesday night.
“The feet feeling a lot better,” Brown said, per the clip. “I got brand new skin. Got it all trimmed up. It’s been a journey, man, but I feel a lot better. Working with the NFL, getting the right equipment, I’ve been working hard on the side. I’ve been going, taking care of the feet. So, I mean, I want to give it to my teammates, so, hopefully, soon get out there and get to work.
“You know, too much noise right now. More work, less noise. I feel like I was enemy of the f—ing state. F—. Getting the feet trimmed up. I’m on every channel. Because A.B. is actually a good player. A really good player. And he’s a handsome-looking player, by the way. So that’s all it is right there.”