Raiders report: Starting QB misses Thursday’s practice
Raiders quarterback Aidan O’Connell missed Thursday’s practice, but there doesn’t appear to be much concern about his availability for Sunday’s game at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Thursday’s injury report, released after practice, listed O’Connell as a nonparticipant because of illness.
O’Connell participated in full Wednesday and did not appear on the first injury report of the week. He spoke to reporters after practice.
O’Connell returned last week from a stint on injured reserve with a broken thumb and threw for 340 yards and two scores in a loss to the Chiefs.
Crosby nominated
Defensive end Maxx Crosby has been named the Raiders’ nominee for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award.
The title is presented to a player who displays excellence on and off the field. Each of the 32 teams nominates someone who has made a positive impact in his community.
Along with his work with rescue dogs, Crosby is a supporter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and made a $1 million donation to Eastern Michigan’s athletic department to help his alma mater fulfill its quest to build championship programs and other initiatives.
“His performance on and off the gridiron serves as an example of what it means to be a Raider,” a statement from the organization read. “He has consistently demonstrated a heartfelt dedication to making a positive impact on the community around him.”
As the Raiders’ nominee, Crosby will wear a Payton trophy silhouette decal on his helmet the rest of the season. He also will receive up to a $55,000 donation to a charity of his choice.
The winner, who will be announced Feb. 6 at NFL Honors, will receive a donation of up to $265,000 from the NFL Foundation and Nationwide.
Crosby made a donation to the Clark County School District to specifically help fund Mission High School, designed for students in recovery.
Bowers wins rookie award
Raiders tight end Brock Bowers has been named the NFL’s offensive rookie of the month for November after putting up a string of impressive performances.
Bowers led all rookies for the month in receptions (32), receiving yards (349), yards per game (87.3) and receiving touchdowns (three) despite the team’s bye week falling in November.
He also paced all rookie pass catchers with 165 yards after catch and 17 receiving first downs.
“I’m honored to be rookie of the month,” he said. “It’s cool.”
The first-round pick has eclipsed 100 yards and a touchdown in two of his past three games. All other rookie tight ends in the past five seasons have accomplished the feat just two times combined.
Injury report
O’Connell wasn’t the only addition to the injury report.
Running back Ameer Abdullah got in a full session, but is now listed with a foot injury. Wide receiver Jakobi Meyers missed practice with an ankle injury, as did tight end Justin Shorter (back).
Cornerback Nate Hobbs (ankle) and running back Zamir White (quad) are still not practicing.
Contact Adam Hill at ahill@reviewjournal.com. Follow @AdamHillLVRJ on X.