CB Ron Bartell, one of the Raiders’ key free agent pickups, passed his physical and joined the active training camp roster Sunday.
Bartell suffered a hamstring injury working out a week before reporting and was placed on the non-football-injury list when he arrived at Napa, Calif.
The new CBA prohibits players from participating in full-contact drills for three days after being activated. Bartell can take part in noncontact drills for the next two days during the “acclimation” period.
“I understand why they do it,” Bartell said. “I can’t really complain about it. I’m just happy to finally be able to get back on the field.”
The Raiders have their exhibition opener against Dallas on Aug. 13, but Bartell said he expects to play.
“I’m going in with the mindset that I’ll be playing until I hear otherwise,” he said. “That’s my mindset. Barring a setback, I don’t think it will be a question if I’m playing or not. I’m in pretty good shape. They did a great job of conditioning me while I was out. So the only thing I’m kind of leery about is my timing and technique because I haven’t been going against guys live in a while. But I can clean those things up within the next few weeks before the regular season starts.”
Bartell said he’s “pretty much” pain free.
“It’s football so you’re going to deal with some pain, but as long as I’m able to run without restriction I’m fine. I can deal with the pain. The issue is being able to run without restriction. I’m past that part of it. The pain can be managed and I feel pretty good.”
Bartell worked with the first team at left corner throughout the offseason, but DeMarcus Van Dyke has filled in at that spot while he's been out.
Follow Raiders reporter Eric Gilmore on Twitter: @CBSSportsNFLOAK.
