Clive Walford practices after missing first nine days of camp

ByBill Williamson ESPN logo
Wednesday, August 12, 2015

NAPA, Calif. -- The Oakland Raiders entered training camp with high expectations for rookie tight end Clive Walford. Finally, they can see those plans unfold.

TheMiamiproduct, who was taken in the third round, practiced Tuesday evening for the first time in training camp. He missed the first nine days of camp with what ESPN's Adam Caplanreported as a hamstring injury. Sunday, Oakland coach Jack Del Rio said he thought Walford was on the brink of returning to camp.

Walford was a star of the offseason workout session. He showed great field-stretching ability, and the Raiders hope he can push for serious playing time early in the regular season.

Meanwhile, undrafted rookie running back Michael Dyerand right tackleMenelik Watsonwere both back practicing after missing four practices. Dyer was an early-camp standout. He will battle veteran Trent Richardson to back up starting tailback Latavius Murray. Watson is the early front-runner to win the starting right tackle job.