AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chargers, Raiders

Broncos

• According to NBC4 Sports, Broncos S Su’a Cravens says he’s still embroiled in a dispute with the Redskins over issues with their medical staff: “2 years later and I’m still fighting the Skins on something they’ve continued to do countless times. Which is why the best tackle in the game refuses to play for them now. Same reason I left. Mishandled injuries and withheld info. All evidence points to them being guilty!” 
• Cravens alleges the Redskins cut off his insurance, froze his payments, refused to pay his salary and tried to recoup money from him because they thought he was making up an injury. 

Chargers

Chargers QB Philip Rivers is entering the final year of his contract. He and the team still haven’t agreed to an extension, but Rivers has said he’s fine waiting until after the 2019 season to do so. The idea of playing for another team besides the Chargers is apparently off the table, though.

“I don’t [see it]. I don’t. And I hope I’m not ever faced with that decision,” Rivers said via Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. “But I really don’t. I know that it’s rare, and there’s been so many guys who haven’t been able to have that opportunity. I just remember thinking, even after I was very first drafted, how cool would it be to play my whole career in one place. To say, absolutely, you can’t guarantee that. But I really can’t see that.” 

• According to the Athletic’s Daniel Popper, Chargers G Forrest Lamp played the entire preseason opener, alternating between right and left guard. 
• Chargers G Dan Feeney started the game at center in place of Mike Pouncey. 
• Popper says OT Trent Scott looks like he’s first in line to replace Russell Okung at left tackle if needed.
• Third-round rookie OT Trey Pipkins still needs time to develop and the team would be in trouble if he’s forced to play, per Popper. 

Raiders

According to NFL VP of communications Brian McCarthy, Raiders WR Antonio Brown would be in breach of his contract if he played without approved equipment. The arbitrator ruled against Brown Monday afternoon. 

“The player can’t practice or play in games with equipment that’s not approved,” McCarthy tweeted Monday morning. “If he doesn’t play or practice he is in breach of his contract and doesn’t get paid. Nfl policy is that Helmets have to be certified by NOSCAE. They don’t certify equipment that’s old than 10 years.”

• Raiders fourth-round DE Maxx Crosby expects to be recovered from his broken hand in time for Week 1. (Jerry McDonald)
• Oakland is reportedly exploring trade options to replace Gabe Jackson at right guard early in the season. (Michael Gehlken)