Antonio Brown is almost ready to return to the field. And according to the Raiders star receiver, he never threatened to leave it.

Brown, who has yet to suit up for Oakland due to a cryotherapy incident which left him with frostbitten feet, disputed an ESPN report that he considered sitting out if he wasn’t allowed to wear the same type of helmet he wore with the Steelers, now deemed unsafe by the league.

“I don’t know where they got that, who made that up, either,” Brown said following Thursday’s preseason game, which he watched from the sidelines. “Why would I retire, man? I’ve got a beautiful career. I’m healthy. I love to play the game. I’m grateful to play the game.”

Brown looked close to full-strength while running routes at University of Phoenix Stadium, wearing the new-model helmet. The 31-year-old reportedly showed up at Raiders team activities wearing his old helmet, with a coat of silver-and-black paint — the team told him that wasn’t allowed — and lost a grievance earlier this week, in which he attempted to hold the league liable if he suffers an injury because of the new helmet.

“Still working with the NFL to make sure everything is legal, appropriate,” Brown said.

Coach Jon Gruden said the helmet worn by Brown Thursday night was “legal” and “certified.”

“Somebody approved it,” Gruden said.

The issues with Brown’s feet are almost behind him, too.

“It feels a lot better,” Brown said. “My feet are healing in the right direction. I’m just ready to get around my teammates and be with the guys.”

After suffering the uncommon injury during a cryotherapy chamber session last month in France, Brown rejoined the Raiders on Tuesday. Gruden believes the seven-time Pro Bowler could participate in Saturday’s practice.

“Hell yeah, it was encouraging,” Gruden said. “It was great to have him back. You know, it’s been a strange, strange couple weeks, with frostbite and the helmet grievance. I can’t say that that’s common, at least in my history in this league. But we’ve weathered the storm. It was great to see him out there with his teammates. He appears to be in great spirits, and he appears like he’s ready to get going here.

“It’s Antonio Brown. We’re excited about it. I could care less what anybody else thinks.”