NAPA -– Raiders receiver Andre Holmes took a big fall in Sunday’s training camp practice, left the field a few plays later and hasn’t been back since.
There’s a good reason why. Holmes suffered a broken hand and will be out 3-4 weeks, according to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
A league source told CSNBayArea.com that Holmes would miss some extended time, but would not confirm the exact injury or the recovery timetable.
Raiders head coach Jack Del Rio was asked about Holmes’ injury on Tuesday evening, and indicated that his absence wouldn’t be prolonged, and that the injury didn’t stem from a hit levied by rookie cornerback Dexter McDonald on Sunday.
“I don’t know that anything directly from that fall caused anything,” Del Rio said. “He’s got a little bounce back in short order.”
Del Rio did not speak with the press on Wednesday.
Holmes has been a bit buried on the depth chart during this training camp, rarely seeing first-unit work in an upgraded receiver corps. Holmes is battling for a No. 5 receiver spot behind Amari Cooper, Michael Crabtree, Rod Streater and Kenbrell Thompkins despite leading last year’s team with 693 receiving yards.
If the reported recovery timetable comes to term, Holmes could be ready for the Sept. 13 regular-season opener against the Cincinnati Bengals. He wouldn’t have time to improve his standing in a competitive group.
Holmes signed an original-round tender this offseason as a restricted free agent.
Holmes exited as Rod Streater was removed from the non-football injury list on Sunday.
The receiving corps will carry on with an equal number of options as the preseason carries on.
“Injuries happen,” receiver Kenbrell Thompkins said. “Rod looks fresh and with (Andre), we can’t wait to get him back.”
