Raiders wide receiver Brown had reportedly threatened to quit playing over the helmet rule change.

While Monday’s ruling did not go in his favour, Brown – a seven-time Pro Bowler – announced he will make his way back to the Raiders when he is at “full health”.

“While I disagree with the arbitrator’s decision, I’m working on getting back to full health and looking forward to re-joining my team-mates on the field,” he wrote on Instagram. “I’m excited about this season appreciate all the concerns about my feet!”

Brown had previously said, according to a report from The Athletic, which cited a source with knowledge of Friday’s hearing, “he would hold the league liable” if he were to suffer a head injury while playing in the league-mandated helmets.

The Raiders brought Brown on board with the hopes of reviving an inconsistent offense that finished with a 4-12 record last season.

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Brown has already missed the team’s first preseason game, however, he still has the support of Raiders head coach Jon Gruden.

“There’s been a lot of reports out there, I can’t say I agree with all of them, certainly. But I support this guy. I think that’s what needs to be said,” Gruden said. “I don’t know what anybody’s writing or what anybody thinks but this foot injury wasn’t his fault. This was a total accident. It really wasn’t his fault, and it’s a serious injury.

“I know some people are [smirking] at it but it’s really not a laughing matter. The guy was hurt. He’s innocent, he didn’t do anything wrong. And the helmet thing is a personal matter to him. He has a strong feeling about what he’s worn on his head and we’re supporting him. We understand the league’s position as well, so we’re in a tough spot. And we hope Antonio is back here soon, because he’s exciting to be around. I’m excited. I got some plays for him, I hope we can start calling them.”

Brown started training camp on the non-football injury list with a “minor injury.” The injury turned out to be frostbite on his feet from a cryotherapy machine after using it “without the proper footwear,” but that was not what was keeping Brown from playing, according to reports.

It was reported league-wide Friday that it was, in fact, Brown’s helmet grievance, not his injury, that has kept him off the field.

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