ALAMEDA -– Raiders tight end Clive Walford missed most of the preseason with injury, a period far too long for a rookie trying to make an immediate impact. The third-round pick still believes that, despite his absence, quick contributions remain a strong possibility.
"I feel good," Walford said, "and I’ll be ready.”
Walford made that clear on Twitter on Aug, 28, shortly after offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave said his absence was significant for him and the team. Walford had only practiced twice and played in one preseason game before ending up back on the shelf. It really hurts rookies to miss large sections of their first training camp, an important period in NFL development.