Raiders’ Johnathan Abram gets financial insult added to injury
ALAMEDA — Johnathan Abram awoke to the news following season-ending shoulder surgery he would be fined $28,075 for unnecessary roughness stemming from a hit in the Raiders’ Week 1 win over the Denver Broncos.
The NFL confirmed the fine Saturday, originally reported by the NFL Network, which said Abram plans to appeal.
Abram received one penalty during the game, a 14-yard foul for lowering the head to initiate contact against running back Royce Freeman in the third quarter. It was the same play in which Abram also hit teammate Gareon Conley in the head with his thigh, with Conley leaving the field on a stretcher with a neck injury.
On that play, photos showed Abram leading with his right shoulder.
The surgery was to his left shoulder, which was confirmed by a photo and message Abram put out Friday while in recovery after doctors repaired a torn labrum.
Surgery went really well and I’m forever thankful for all the love & support each and everyone of you sent! Best believe I’m coming back harder than ever. pic.twitter.com/nKZs30zTGc
— Johnathan Abram (@JohnathanAbram1) September 13, 2019
It is believed Abram was hurt on a play along the Raiders sideline late in the first quarter while delivering a blow against Denver’s Daesean Hamilton.
Abram was not penalized on the play. Abram’s appeal will contend the shoulder injury proves he initiated proper contact, assuming the Hamilton play is the reason for the fine.
Although eligible to play this season after sitting out approximately eight weeks, Abram will miss the season with what coach Jon Gruden is calling a “redshirt” year.
.@Raiders @JohnathanAbram1 with this splattering to save a reception before half. It’s of many bone crunching hits from this missile. #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/ksoace6tel
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 10, 2019
A.J. Cole expected to face Broncos
The Raiders made A.J. Cole a late addition to the injury report Friday with a right foot injury and were considering signing a veteran punter to face the Kansas City Chiefs.
However, a source said they felt good enough about Cole Saturday that he is expected to face the Chiefs.
Cole punted his first attempt into the end zone for a touchback from the Oakland 48, and later got a good roll on a 42-yard punt to the Denver. His best punt forced a Denver fair catch at the 9, with the ball being pushed back to the 4 on an illegal block in the back on the Broncos.
“It was good to get out there, get my feet wet and experience what a real game is going to be like,” Cole said Friday. “There’s some things I think I did well, some things I didn’t do well and there’s a lot to learn from.”