After over 20 months away from football, Gerald McCoy returned on Sunday. As such, there was reason to worry about how the veteran would look. However, all those worries were erased quickly as McCoy put together a performance that was, at times, dominant.
Of course, it was only a preseason game. However, the 49ers played their starting offense to start the game and McCoy still looked great. This is big for the former Buccaneers star as he is returning from a torn quad that sidelined him for all of 2020. Raiders fans have no reason to worry however, as McCoy says he feels great.
“It felt great. My legs felt great, no pain in the knee. Knocking the rust off felt really good. I was just back in my element.” As usual, McCoy was all smiles postgame.
Seeing this performance had the Raiders all smiles as well. “It was great to see him out there. He had a tough injury, did not play last year. We’ve been smart with him and I thought this was a really great step in the right direction for him,” head coach John Gruden said, summing up the six-time Pro Bowlers Raiders debut. McCoy’s teammates loved to see him back as well as Maxx Crosby had this to say on Twitter:
As expected, McCoy was able to parlay this performance and positive energy into a spot on the 53-man roster. For a defensive tackle position that has loads of question marks, he may even be a starter. Can he still offer the type of pass rush that Gus Bradley is going to ask 0f him? “I love when people count me out… I’ve been a fighter my whole life…” McCoy said.
One thing’s for sure, the Raiders will be getting everything McCoy has to offer in 2021.
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