The Raiders modified schedule continued on Tuesday as they hit the practice field at their Alameda facility.
Tuesday is typically an off day for the players, but given that the Raiders play on Thursday Night Football this week against the Chiefs, Interim Head Coach Tony Sparano decided that the team would hit the practice field. David Ausberry, TJ Carrie, Jonathan Dowling and Carlos Rogers did not participate because of injury.
Following Tuesday's on-field work, Coach Sparano held his daily press conference and spoke about his team's preparations for Thursday's game as well as the benefit of the veteran presence on the roster.
"I think they do a great job," said Coach Sparano when talking about the Raiders veterans. "I think that their wisdom is really good. I think their message to the young players has been really good. They've been a big help to me certainly, and I appreciate that."
Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson gave his weekly press conference on Tuesday and agreed with Coach Sparano's comments about the positive influence the veterans have provided the locker room.
"I think it's been good and that says a lot about those players that were brought in, those veteran players," Olson said. "They continue to fight, they continue to prepare every week. I think it was something that the organization had to do. They have been great in terms of coming to work every day with a real positive attitude, work ethic, and they've kind of done everything that Tony's asked and that we've asked of them to this point."
Defensive Coordinator Jason Tarver also took his turn at the podium and spoke about the progress of rookie LB Khalil Mack, in particular his first sack of the year on Sunday against the Chargers.
"I like his progression," Tarver said. "He really looked at what happened to him in that first San Diego game and we made an emphasis with the young man. We told him, 'Look, you get to see these guys again so let's study them.' What things work against this team? He was able to put a few more of those into effect."
Tarver continued, "When you ask me a question about him, I get excited. We all do. He can just stay in his progression and keep gaining ground, moving faster and faster. That's the key."
The Raiders will hold their final practice of the short week tomorrow, and will then take on the Kansas City Chiefs at O.co Coliseum on Thursday night.
Kickoff is scheduled for 5:25 p.m. PT.
