Raiders CB Gareon Conley ‘ready to roll,’ will make NFL debut Sunday

ALAMEDA, Calif. — Raiders coach Jack Del Rio announced Friday that first-round draft pick Gareon Conley will make his NFL debut Sunday against the New York Jets.

“He was full two days in a row and had a good week of practice,” Del Rio said. “So yeah, we’re going to have Gareon up.”

It was a long journey from Ohio State to the NFL for the rookie cornerback. The Raiders drafted Conley with the 24th overall pick in the April NFL Draft.

Controversy quickly followed him. Conley was accused of sexual assault a few days before he was drafted. The allegations casted a shadow over Conley until July 31st, when the grand jury in Cleveland, Ohio declined to file charges.

The rookie then suffered a shin injury during minicamp. On Aug. 29, Conley participated in his first practice since June 13.

Del Rio said he is excited to see Conley get to play.

“He’s had a little bit of a setback because of some things that were beyond his control with the medical stuff, “Del Rio said. “That’s cleaned up and he’s ready to roll now. (I) look forward to watching him play.”

Notables

— Cornerback Sean Smith (neck) was limited in practice Friday and is listed as questionable for Sunday’s home opener.

— Defensive back Keith McGill II (foot) and fullback Jamize Olawale (quad) were full participants in practice. Both are listed as questionable.

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