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NAPA – Raiders’ second-year cornerback DJ Hayden hasn’t practiced at all during this training camp as he recovers from foot surgery, and isn’t close to a comeback.
Head coach Dennis Allen said Hayden is making progress but, on Thursday, couldn’t give an exact timetable for when he would return. Allen is hopeful that we’ll see Hayden at some point before the regular season.
“I expect to see him before the preseason (ends),” Allen said. “We’ll have to wait and see. He’s getting better, but he’s not ready to be out here playing football.”
Hayden had surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot roughly six weeks ago. Rehabilitation typically takes 4-8 weeks. Hayden is out of a walking boot, but has yet to do side work during practice. In addition to getting healthy, Hayden must also get back into playing shape. That should be an undertaking in itself.
Hayden hasn’t spoken publicly since early June, but tweeted out his frustrations with being glued to the sideline.
I can't wait to get back on this field !!! It's been too long!!!
— DJ Hayden (@_Go_DJ_) August 2, 2014
Carlos Rogers is the starting left cornerback right now, though Chimdi Chekwa has taken some reps there. Without Hayden, it’s likely that Rogers will play outside in the base defense and slot cornerback in the nickel. Chekwa would come replace him at outside corner in the nickel package.
