After reports emerged Thursday that the team planned to suspend the wide receiver following a heated exchange with general manager Mike Mayock, coach Jon Gruden said Friday that Brown will be allowed to play in the season opener against the Denver Broncos.

“Antonio’s back today, we’re really excited about that,” Gruden told reporters. “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.”

ESPN reported earlier Friday that Brown had issued an apology to the team.

On Wednesday, Brown shared on Instagram a screen capture of a fine letter he had received from the team for missing an August walkthrough and training camp practice. Later that day, according to multiple reports, Brown initiated a confrontation with Mayock. NFL Network reported that Brown told Mayock he would hit him in the face and then punted a ball, telling the general manager to fine him for doing so.

— USA TODAY