ALAMEDA – Raiders linebacker Miles Burris said a month ago that he would be ready when eligible to leave the physically unable to perform list.
That day has come and gone. Burris could’ve practiced on Tuesday, but he wasn’t a part of the light workout designed for young players. It would’ve opened a 21-day window to practice before the Raiders had to activate him or send him to season-ending injured reserve.
In that light, starting his clock during the bye doesn’t make much sense. It won’t start when Raiders report for duty the week of an Oct. 27 home game against Pittsburgh.
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“Miles has continued to get better every day, and he continues to work with the trainers,” Raiders coach Dennis Allen said. “He was able to put a few good days back to back. Really I think that’s what we need to see more of. Can he put in some back-to-back days working with the trainers and not experience any type of soreness, not experience any type of setbacks? I don’t think we’re quite there yet, but I think we’re getting closer.”
Burris has practiced since last season. He had offseason knee surgery and an agonizingly slow rehab that has kept him out longer than even the Raiders expected. Burris was an active defender in 2012. He made 15 starts last season and had 96 tackles, 1.5 sacks an interception playing various linebacker spots.
Burris was expected to provide depth at each spot, be an active special teams contributor and be active on rushing downs. His knee was never an issue last season, but hasn’t allowed him to fill his role.
Allen said he won’t activate Burris until he’s confident the linebacker is ready to practice and play consistently. After such a long rehab, Allen doesn’t want Burris to end up back on the shelf.
