NAPA, CALIF. — All 79 players in attendance at the Raiders training camp underwent a conditioning test Thursday morning before the team’s first practice. Everyone passed, coach Lane Kiffin said.
That includes wide receiver Javon Walker, cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha, defensive tackle Tommy Kelly and center Jake Grove, players with an uncertain status as recently as two days ago.
Asomugha surprised the Raiders by reporting to camp, signing the one-year tender as the team’s exclusive franchise player.
“It’s a statement about who he is,” Kiffin said of Asomugha opting against a camp holdout in hopes of receiving a promise from the Raiders that they wouldn’t use the franchise tag on him again next year. “Obviously, he didn’t have to be here. … For him to be here the first day to run the conditioning test with us shows what a team player he is.”
Walker ran well, according to Kiffin, allaying any lingering concerns about facial injuries he sustained during a robbery in Las Vegas six weeks ago.
“It’s as if nothing happened as far as him being on the field,” Kiffin said of Walker.
Walker spoke with Bay Area media for the first time since his ordeal but said it was too soon to discuss the matter.
Walker wants Favre reunion
Walker, who had his breakout season catching passes from Brett Favre as a Green Bay Packer in 2004 with 89 receptions, 1,382 yards and 12 touchdowns, has been monitoring the situation.
“I always told myself, prior to signing here and I didn’t know where I was going to be, that I would love to play with Brett Favre again,” Walker said. “I love his athletic ability. I love the way he plays. I love the way he goes out and tries to make stuff happen.”
Walker sees Favre’s possible departure from Green Bay as “the business side of it” but added, “I hope he comes back, makes another Pro Bowl and throws for 5,000 yards.”
Jerry McDonald, Contra Costa Times
