Burgess Not At Raiders Practice

With defensive end Derrick Burgess reportedly on the trading block and the New England Patriots displaying interest, the veteran lineman isn’t attending the Oakland Raiders’ Organized Team Activity session today, according to David White of the San Francisco Chronicle. Although it’s a voluntary practice, it’s obviously not out of the realm of possibility that the Raiders could have whispered in Burgess’ ear to steer clear of the workout or any other dangerous activity if a trade is in the works. Due a $2 million base salary in 2009, Burgess is entering the last year of his contract. Meanwhile, White, via his Twitter account, reported that first-round wide receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey (University of Maryland) and second-round safety Mike Mitchell (Ohio University) weren’t able to attend due to the NFL academic rule. Plus, veteran cornerbacks Nmandi Asomugha and Chris Johnson as well as quarterback Andrew Walter were also no-shows.