Lynch sits during anthem in Raiders loss in Arizona

By BOB BAUM
Associated Press

GLENDALE, Ariz. (AP) — In his first game in an Oakland Raider uniform, Marshawn Lynch didn't play a down.

Yet he provided the most vivid image of the night, sitting for the national anthem before the Raiders' 20-10 preseason loss to the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday.

The ex-Seattle running back, who came out of retirement to sign with his hometown Raiders, sat on an orange cooler with his arms resting on his knees, while others around him stood.

Although he rarely talks to the media, Lynch has voiced support for quarterback Colin Kaepernick's decision to kneel during the anthem last season to protest what he saw as a pattern of police mistreatment of people of color.

Lynch was gone from the locker room by the time reporters arrived.

Coach Jack Del Rio said he spoke to him about the issue after the game.

"He said, 'This is something I've done for 11 years. It's not a form of anything other than me being myself,'" Del Rio said.

The coach said that he told Lynch "just so you understand how I feel, I very strongly believe in standing for the national anthem but I'm going to respect you as a man. You do your thing."

"So that's a non-issue for me," Del Rio said.

Quarterback E.J. Manuel said he didn't know Lynch hadn't stood for the anthem.

"Obviously, we all support Marshawn because he's part of our team, but I think that is more of a personal thing," Manuel said. "I can't really comment on it too much."

Arizona dominated the game in the first half, building a 17-3 lead.

Carson Palmer threw a 12-yard touchdown pass to Brittan Golden to cap his brief preseason debut, while Oakland quarterback Derek Carr watched the game from the sideline.

Palmer, at age 37 beginning his 15th NFL season, directed Arizona on a 12-play, 70-yard touchdown drive to start the game. It looked as if the Cardinals were headed for a short field goal, but the Raiders were called for covering the snapper on the kick, giving Arizona a first down and setting up its opening TD.

He would like to have played more than one series.

"I thought I was going to get the first quarter," Palmer said. "That's what (coach Bruce Arians) said last night at the team meeting. I missed a couple. I missed a long one to Jaron (Brown) and wanted to kind of redeem myself. I didn't get that chance. I've got to wait until next week."

Two of the Raiders' top defensive players, All-Pro defensive end Khalil Mack and linebacker Bruce Irvin, joined Carr and Lynch as spectators.

While it was the preseason opener for Oakland, it was Arizona's second outing. The Cardinals starters did not play in the team's 20-18 loss to Dallas in the Hall of Fame Game.

NO CARR

Carr had been expected to see his first action since breaking his right leg in a game last Christmas Eve, but Del Rio chose to have his starter sit out the opener.

"It was my decision," Del Rio said. "There were several guys that didn't play and that was one of them. We'll get ready for next week."

BACKUP BATTLE

Manuel got the start at quarterback for Oakland and had a strong showing in his battle with Connor Cook for the backup job. Manuel completed 10 of 12 passes for 107 yards.

Cook played the entire second half, going 10 of 21 for 81 yards.

CARDINALS QBs

Drew Stanton, who appears to have a firm hold on the backup quarterback job despite the addition of Blaine Gabbert, had a strong first half in relief of Palmer.

Stanton, Palmer's backup for the past four seasons, completed 11 of 15 passes for 112 yards, including a 7-yard TD pass to tight end Troy Niklas.

Gabbert played most of the second half, completing 5 of 9 passes for 53 yards.

JUST WATCHING

Neither of Oakland's two top draft picks played. Cornerback Gareon Conley, the first-round pick, and the second rounder, safety Obi Melifonwu, are nursing injuries.

Arizona wide receiver John Brown, slowed by a quadriceps issue, did not play.

OFFENSE RESTS

The only members of Oakland's first-team offense to play were tackles Marshall Newhouse and Vadal Alexander.

QUOTABLE

"That's where I'm from. That was very tough to see. Not to get all into politics, but just the division that we're seeing in our country is saddening and we've got to get it figured out," Manuel, who comes from Virginia Beach, Virginia, on the violent events in his home state on Saturday.

___

AP NFL website: www.pro32.ap.org and www.twitter.com/AP_NFL

AP source: Raiders agree to deal with Marshawn Lynch

By JOSH DUBOW
Associated Press

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) -- A person familiar with the deal tells The Associated Press that the Oakland Raiders have agreed to a two-year contract to bring running back Marshawn Lynch out of retirement.

The person says the sides have agreed on the terms pending a physical for Lynch on Wednesday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the contract has not been finalized. The NFL Network first reported the deal.

Once Lynch passes the physical, the Raiders will need to acquire his rights in a trade with Seattle. That's expected to be mostly a formality because the Seahawks don't want to pay Lynch the $9 million he would be owed when he comes out of retirement. The teams are expected to swap draft picks.

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More AP NFL: http://pro32.ap.org/articles and https://twitter.com/AP-NFL

Did Marshawn Lynch retire during Super Bowl 50?

"The 100 Yards" Staff Report

Check out this interesting tweet from Marshawn Lynch:

✌🏿 pic.twitter.com/wesip4IhOR

— Shawn Lynch (@MoneyLynch) February 8, 2016

Has Marshawn Lynch just announced his retirement from the NFL?

Injury Notebook: Marshawn Lynch out against Cardinals

"The 100 Yards" Injury Report

Marshawn Lynch

1. The Seahawks ruled out running back Marshawn Lynch from their finale with the Cardinals. He hasn't played since Week 10 due to an abdomen injury, but Pete Carroll said he's hopeful the veteran back will be ready for the playoff push.

2. The Cardinals might be without pass rusher Dwight Freeney against the Seahawks. Freeney is questionable due to a knee injury. Receiver Michael Floyd (knee), safety Rashad Johnson (ankle, illness) and defensive tackle Frostee Rucker (ankle) are also questionable.

3. The Chiefs got linebacker Justin Houston (knee) back in practice. He has missed the last four games and would be a huge piece to get back for the playoffs next weekend. He is questionable for Sunday. Linebacker Tamba Hali (thumb/knee) is questionable.

4. Todd Gurley (foot) is doubtful to go for the Rams in their finale against the 49ers.

5. The Jaguars will wrap up their season without rooking running back T.J. Yeldon, who was ruled out of Sunday's finale due to an MCL sprain that's sidelined him the past two weeks. Coach Gus Bradley announced the news.

6. Panthers running backs Jonathan Stewart (foot) and Fozzy Whittaker (ankle) have been ruled out. Receiver Ted Ginn (knee) and safety Kurt Coleman (foot) are doubtful.

7. Wideout Julian Edelman (foot) didn't travel with the team to Miami, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported. He was later ruled out for the game by the team. In addition, the Patriots announced offensive tackle Sebastian Vollmer (ankle), DE Chandler Jones (abdomen / toe) and linebacker Dont'a Hightower (knee).

8. The Colts officially ruled out Matt Hasselbeck (shoulder/ribs) to go along with an inactive Andrew Luck at the quarterback position. Coach Chuck Pagano said he didn't yet know who will start under center against the Titans. The also waived wideout Griff Whalen. He was placed on IR a few weeks back with broken ribs.

9. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (foot) is probable. Linebacker Brandon Marshall (ankle) and safety T.J. Ward (ankle) are questionable for Sunday.

10. The Titans have ruled out wideout Kendall Wright (knee) and offensive lineman Taylor Lewan (concussion) for their season finale against the Colts.

11. Jets running back Bilal Powell is questionable for the Jets.

12. Bears wideout Eddie Royal (illness) is doubtful for Sunday. Questionable for Chicago are running back Matt Forte (back) and Pernell McPhee (knee). Linebacker Shea McClellin remains in concussion protocol.

13. Steelers wideout Martavis Bryant (illness) is questionable for Sunday at the Browns.

14. Redskins safety Dashon Goldson (rib) has been ruled out. Running back Matt Jones (hip) is doubtful.

15. The Falcons ruled out running back Tevin Coleman (concussion) for Sunday against the Saints.

16. The Buccaneers placed safety Chris Conte on injured reserve with a knee injury. Guard Logan Mankins (knee) was a full participant.

17. The Bengals listed tight end Tyler Eifert (concussion) as probable for Sunday's tilt against the Ravens.

18. Dolphins wideouts Rishard Matthews (ribs) and Kenny Stills (thigh) are questionable. Center Mike Pouncey is doubtful.

19. Vikings defensive tackle Linval Joseph (foot) is doubtful.

20. Cowboys guard La'el Collins (ankle) didn't practice and is doubtful. Cornerback Morris Claiborne (hamstring) and linebacker Sean Lee (hamstring) are questionable.

21. Browns wideout Travis Benjamin (ankle), linebacker Karlos Dansby (toe), and offensive tackle Joe Thomas (knee) are questionable.

22. Bills running back LeSean McCoy (knee) is not playing this week against the Bills.