Oakland’s low-key, feel good training camp isn’t feeling so good after the last few days.
Just one day after Raiders players were chanting in support of their fighting coach, we learned that a more important member of the organization than defensive assistant Randy Hanson has a broken bone to worry about.
Chaz Schilens, the team’s best receiver, broke the fifth metatarsal in his left foot early Tuesday. The timeframe of his return is unclear, although Schilens admitted that it would take a “miracle” for him to be ready for Week One.
Schilens’ injury is similar on the surface to the one suffered by Rams receiver Donnie Avery, who was expected to miss 4-6 weeks.
A seventh-round pick in 2008, Schilens arguably was enjoying the best training camp of any Raider. His performance in the team’s preseason game was eye-opening, showing a great mix of toughness, speed, and terrific hands.
With Schilens out, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Johnnie Lee Higgins look like the team’s starters. Javon Walker is expected to come off the active/PUP list Monday after missing the entire offseason following knee surgery.