Gruden: Mack's absence 'disappointing,' not a distraction

Defensive end Khalil Mack's absence from Oakland Raiders training camp due to a prolonged contract holdout has been one of the biggest storylines hovering around the team this offseason, but head coach Jon Gruden says it hasn't been affecting those who are present.

"I don't think it's been a distraction," Gruden said, according to Paul Gutierrez of ESPN. "It's obviously, for me, been disappointing. You want to have your best player here. This guy is really a great guy, too. I'm disappointed we don't have him here. Going to try to get him here as soon as we can. In the time being, you've got to move on. You've got to get up and go to work. That's one thing I'm very proud of what we've done here."

Mack is scheduled to play the 2018 season on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract and will carry a cap hit of $13.8 million.

Gruden said last month that he hasn't spoken to Mack since being named head coach of the Raiders back in January.

The fifth overall pick of the 2014 draft has made the Pro Bowl in each of the past three seasons. He was named Defensive Player of the Year in 2016 while being named an All-Pro for a second consecutive season.