Raiders RB Marshawn Lynch set to make debut with hometown team

Back in 2003, after the Raiders’ running back had led his high school team to an important victory, he did not want to discuss his five touchdowns.

“Our linemen, oh my god!” Lynch told a local television station. “If my linemen wasn’t so good … I don’t know what to do, and me being as broke I am, I’m about to find a way to treat my linemen to Sizzler.”

Fourteen years later, it seems Lynch hasn’t changed.

Raiders offensive coordinator Todd Downing spoke glowingly about his 31-year-old running back, specifically the teammate he’s been in his first year with the team.

“He’s such a great teammate,” Downing said. “He’s a guy that’s got that infectious personality … he’s built a great rapport with those guys, and I know his career has shown how much he appreciates his offensive line and that’s certainly carried over to being a Raider.”

Lynch is an Oakland-native and played with Oakland Tech and in college at Cal before landing in the NFL. Through those years, and even now, Lynch’s character has been the center of praise among his peers.

Lynch will play for his hometown Raiders for the first time in the regular season Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.

Notable

■ Wide receiver Amari Cooper (knee) and Khalil Mack (knee) were full participants in practice on Thursday. Cooper was limited in practice on Wednesday while Mack did not participate. Both are expected to start Sunday.

■ Kicker Sebastian Janikowski (back) and rookie cornerback Gareon Conley (shin) were both limited participants in practice. “The few practices we’ve had with him he’s looked really good,” said defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. of Conley. “You have to work off the rust a little bit, trying to get his footing right. It’s been awhile so he’s got a lot of work to do.”

■ Defensive back Keith McGill II (foot) and fullback Jamize Olawale (quad) did not practice on Wednesday.

Contact reporter Chris Booker at cbooker@reviewjournal.com. Follow @Bookerc94 on Twitter.