Oakland Raiders managed to get the win in Week 1 against Denver Broncos on Monday night, but that came with a significant price. The team confirmed on Wednesday that their rookie safety Johnathan Abram suffered a shoulder injury during the game and will be placed on the Injured Reserve list.
The first reports say that Abram, who was the Raiders’ first-round pick in 2019, is expected to have surgery on his shoulder next week, which would effectively end his season. The 22-year-old had an encouraging NFL debut, playing 57 snaps against Broncos and recording five tackles and one pass defended.
“He’s everything as advertised. He’d probably play this week if we let him,” – said Raiders head coach Jon Gruden. “But he’s going to have surgery I think tomorrow, and we’re just keeping him in our thoughts and prayers, and we’re going to miss him no doubt.”
Raiders will now probably turn to veteran Curtis Riley to be their top pick on the safety position. Riley started his career as a cornerback, but played the entire 2018 season as a free safety with New York Giants. He ended the year with 75 tackles, five passes defended, four interceptions, and one touchdown.
