Gruden: Ferrell was inactive due to back ailment

There was plenty of speculation when Las Vegas Raiders 2019 fourth overall pick Clelin Ferrell was inactive for the season opener against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night.

Though some believed Ferrell was a healthy inactive and in the coaching staff's doghouse, head coach Jon Gruden said that isn't the case.

"He's been having some back ailments. His time's coming," Gruden said of Ferrell during his press conference on Tuesday. "He'll return to the lineup probably this week."

Even with Ferrell sidelined, the Raiders defensive line had a field day on Monday night. It recorded three sacks and forced and recovered two fumbles of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson. Both fumbles led to Las Vegas touchdowns in a 33-27 overtime victory.

Ferrell had just two sacks in 11 games last year, and Gruden hopes the defensive end can reach another level entering his third season.

"Hopefully he's feeling better and can get back to his form that he had earlier last year and his rookie season," Gruden said.

The Raiders visit the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 2.