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Sept. 6 (UPI) -- Oakland Raiders star wide receiver Antonio Brown is expected to play in the team's regular-season opener against the Denver Broncos on Monday night. "That's the plan. That's the plan, yes," Raiders head coach Jon Gruden told reporters before Friday's practice.
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League sources told ESPN and NFL Media that Brown issued an "emotional" apology during a team meeting Friday morning. The apology came after the wideout had a verbal altercation with Raiders general manager Mike Mayock on Wednesday over a fine levied by the team.
"Antonio is back today," Gruden said. "We're really excited about that. Ready to move on. He's had a lot of, obviously, time to think about things. We're happy to have him back, and I know Raider Nation is excited about that, too."
On Thursday, Gruden said Brown was unlikely to suit up for Monday's game against the Broncos. The organization was considering suspending him for the confrontation with Mayock, along with going after the $30 million guaranteed in his contract for conduct detrimental to the team, according to NFL Media.
Brown spoke to reporters after Gruden confirmed he would play Monday night and issued a public apology.
"I'm excited to be out here today," Brown said. "I want to apologize to my teammates, the organization. Enough talk, man. I'm excited to be out here with my teammates, grateful for all the fans. I'm excited to be part of the Raiders and I'll see you guys soon."
The Pittsburgh Steelers traded Brown to the Raiders this off-season. He recorded 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns in 15 regular-season games last season.
