Suffering Secondary

In Gareon Conley’s first NFL game, the first round draft pick made an acrobatic leaping play to knock away a deep pass against the New York Jets.

It stood out because of Conley’s athleticism and because it was the Raiders best defensive play through the first five weeks of the season.

Having missed all of training camp with a shin injury, the play also served as a bit of justification for Conley and for general manager Reggie McKenzie, who had taken some heat during the preseason as Conley sat out.

As it turns out, it’s been the only play Conley has made to date.

The shin injury that prevented Conley from practicing in the preseason has continued to hobble the 24th overall pick, although head coach Jack Del Rio indicated the issue now is with pain management.

“There’s a certain amount of pain that’s involved that keeps him from doing what he needs to do,” Del Rio said. “And when that is under control and he’s able to go, then we look forward to having him. But until that is under control and he’s able to do the things he needs to do, then he’s going to remain sidelined.

“I would hope that it would be resolved at some time in the near future but I think this is an issue that we’re doing the best we can to manage.”