NAPA — The Raiders will put on the pads for the first time Sunday after completing their NFL-mandated two days of acclimation.
“The game’s played in pads so you really can’t get a full evaluation until you see them in pads,” coach Jack Del Rio said. “We’re excited to get that phase going.”
The NFL requires the first two practices to be without pads, so the Raiders haven’t begun any contact work yet. But that’s about to change.
“I like to feel that first contact and it’s all downhill from there,” linebacker Khalil Mack said.
Del Rio said the team has to be smart about its contact practices to ensure the team stays as healthy as possible.