The Raiders hope they got a big push on Tuesday with the return of defensive lineman Jihad Ward to the practice field.
His strength has never been in question, and now that Ward is back from a foot injury, Oakland head coach Jack Del Rio thinks Ward will be able to help after a rocky first season.
“As a rookie, you learn the ropes, you learn the kind of things that are going to come up,” Del Rio said, “and you’re a little more comfortable in your own skin and what you’re being asked to do within the scheme.