Brown expected to recover from foot issues in time for Week 1

Antonio Brown wasn't ready to practice Tuesday but the Oakland Raiders expect his foot problems to be resolved by the regular season.

"Oh yeah. Yep," head coach Jon Gruden told reporters when asked if he expects Brown to be available for Week 1.

"We've had a pretty good understanding, in spite of what people think ... of what's going to happen."

Brown returned to the Raiders' facility after days of speculation about both his ability and willingness to play football.

The 31-year-old has been dealing with blisters and frostbite on both feet, caused by a cryotherapy chamber mishap while he was in France.

But it was a grievance Brown filed against the NFL last week that made greater waves around the league. He reportedly threatened to retire if he couldn't wear a helmet model the NFL deemed outdated.

"I'm battling with a foot injury and (I) see my face all over the news, all the talk, but (the Raiders) are doing a good job of supporting me," Brown said.

The seven-time Pro Bowler added that he's been visiting a foot specialist, doing rehab, and has undergone procedures to accelerate his recovery over the past week.

"A lot better, working toward 100 percent," he said. "It's been a process with the feet. Any time you've got a lot of blisters, it's hard to change direction, cut and run, and be able to do what I do naturally."

Brown instructed reporters to "stay tuned" when he was asked when he'll be ready to return to the field.

The star wideout was the Raiders' signature acquisition of the offseason. Oakland acquired him from the Pittsburgh Steelers for a pair of draft picks after a falling out with the organization led him to demand a trade.

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