In a Surprise Move, Raiders Place Tackle Henry Lawrence on Waivers

In a surprise move, the Raiders took their longtime right tackle, Henry Lawrence, off injured reserve Monday and waived him.

They didn’t acknowledge it until Tuesday, after it was reported by the Daily Breeze. Coach Tom Flores said Lawrence was out of town and word had been held up until he could he located.

Whatever the case, Raider veterans have traditionally been allowed to stay on injured reserve--and draw their pay--for a season after their careers have effectively ended. It was a generous policy and regarded as part of Al Davis’ commitment to his players.

Lawrence, a popular Raider who started 140 games from 1977 to 1986 and started in two victorious Super Bowls, playing in three, got half a season on injured reserve, minus four weeks of the strike, which he honored at a cost of $93,750.