Oakland Raiders - The Vertical Game

News Archive
Oct. 2 - Dec. 28, 2003

Sunday, December 28, 2003

Announced just before game time was this shocker: RB Charlie Garner and CB Charles Woodson were both suspended for today's game for violating team rules. The CBS broadcasters said the Raiders were being customarily tight-lipped, but that they had learned from unspecified players that the infraction was a curfew violation. Apparently neither Garner nor Woodson returned to the team hotel until 10:30 a.m. this morning!

Soapbox alert: It says here that ought to be enough to get both these players their walking papers. Garner's lost that great burst he used to have every time he touched the ball. Wheatley's the much tougher back, and exacts a toll on the defense which Garner can't at 190 pounds. Woodson, the team's most negative voice all year, is now no better than a relatively good corner after the team thought it was getting a shutdown DB with the No. 4 pick in the draft. And he's represented by the Poston brothers. As professional as senior assistant Bruce Allen—a former sports agent himself—is, he can't enjoy having to deal with that threesome of obnoxious and overinflated egos.

Hey, and while you're at it, send whiner Roderick Coleman packing too. (See his backstabber line at the bottom of this page.) He's another Lance Johnstone—undersized and underaggressive, best suited for a team that can afford to carry purely situational players on its roster. Coleman had a crappy year when he had to actually play a lot of downs because of injuries to Parrella. Who needs the cancer?

Saturday, December 27, 2003

OLB Napoleon Harris's already sore ribs took another banging last week, and he hasn't practiced at all this week, so he's unlikely to play tomorrow. Coach Bill Callahan says Eric Johnson would probably replace him.

But Callahan said another option would be to IR either T Lincoln Kennedy or C Barret Robbins and activate LB Donny Green from the practice squad. Green can play all three linebacking positions and is 20 to 25 pounds heavier than Johnson. Green was with the Raiders in training camp until tearing a calf muscle in mid-August.

Oakland: Probable: CB Nnamdi Asomugha (quadricep); WR Tim Brown (back); WR Doug Gabriel (knee); CB Terrance Shaw (toe). Questionable: S Derrick Gibson (ankle); DT Sean Gilbert (knee); LB Napoleon Harris (ribs). Doubtful: WR Jerry Porter (calf). Out: T Lincoln Kennedy (tricep); C Barret Robbins (knee).

San Diego: Probable: T Phil Bogle (hand); S Terrence Kiel (shoulder); RB Andrew Pinnock (ankle); LB Carlos Polk (shoulder); RB LaDainian Tomlinson (shoulder). Questionable: C Jason Ball (ankle); WR Reche Caldwell (hamstring); TE Antonio Gates (ankle); T Damion McIntosh (ankle); G Solomon Page (ankles); DT DeQuincy Scott (foot).

Friday, December 26, 2003

RB LaDainian Tomlinson (shoulder) did not practice Thursday, Dec. 25, but is likely to go through workouts Friday. (It would be too much to hope for to have Tomlinson out of the game.)

WR Reche Caldwell (hamstring) didn't practice Thursday, Dec. 25, and is probably not going to play in Week 17. C Jason Ball (ankle) is out again for week 17; C Cory Raymer is expected to start in his place.

G Solomon Page (ankles) wasn't able to practice Thursday, Dec. 25, and won't start in Week 17. Ed Ellis is slated to start in his place. This is good news for the Raiders, as Ellis is a big dropoff ability-wise from Page. Maybe even (gulp!) a sack or two, guys?

Thursday, December 25, 2003

Sunday's lineup: Don't expect to see T Lincoln Kennedy (torn triceps), C Barret Robbins (knee), or WR Jerry Porter (calf) on Sunday. Although all three are listed as doubtful rather than out, they won't play. Robbins has said he'll need offseason knee surgery, and the Oval Office has earned his rest. It's ironic, though, because Kennedy is from San Diego and, all things being equal, he would have enjoyed playing his final game there.

OL Jack-of-all-trades Langston Walker will replace Kennedy at right tackle Sunday. In Walker's place at left guard the Raiders will use either G Corey Hulsey or T Chad Slaughter. Slaughter has been with the Raiders a good deal longer so presumably he knows the system better, but he hasn't started a game at guard since high school.

Personnel comings and goings, aka musical chairs: LB Larry Atkins, a disastrously bad player, was cut. C Blaine Saipaia, who wears No. 67, was elevated from the practice squad to fill the opening.

Signed to the practice squad to replace Saipaia was WR James Adkisson. Adkisson, who attended college at South Carolina, was waived by Cincinnati in August. He has great size—6-5, 230.

Green, from Virginia, is listed as 6-2 and 240 lbs. He split time between Washington and Jacksonville in 2002, appearing in two games.

I was able to dig up a little something about Peck from news archives on the Aints' official site. He was a college tight end at North Dakota State, whom New Orleans tried converting to offensive tackle. He's 6-4 and 275 lbs, very small for a Raiders lummox, er ..., lineman. Interesting . . . Peck was also an all-conference basketball player in high school, so he's presumably an all-around athlete.

T Lincoln Kennedy, an offensive captain and probably the most liked Raider—by fans, teammates and press alike—made official Tuesday what everyone had expected—he is retiring from football at age 32.

Kennedy has battled painful injuries the past two years. He limped off the field Monday night during the 4th quarter with a torn triceps, to compliment his previously torn calf and quad muscles, not to mention the migraines he's suffered or the concussion he recently got over.

"These injuries just keep piling up," the 11-year veteran and three-time Pro Bowl choice said. "It just gets harder and harder to come back. I think my body's made my mind up for me."

As the game was winding down, Kennedy shook hands with fans in the stands. "I just went around to the people left in the stands when it was over and thanked them for coming out," he said. "They have been a big reason for my success."

This observer will be doing his best to give big Lincoln a fitting tribute in an upcoming opinion piece.

Sunday, December 21, 2003

Sad news, especially at this time of the holiday season . . . Brett Favre's father, Irvin Favre, 58, was killed Sunday afternoon when his truck went off the road and into a ditch near Kiln, MS. State police surmised that the elder Favre had suffered a heart attack or stroke while behind the wheel.

It's unknown whether Brett, who has started 204 consecutive games, will miss tomorrow's game.

A feature article on ex-Raider RB Napoleon McCallum appeared just this evening on NFL.com. It's linked in the Articles section for today.

Saturday, December 20, 2003

Oakland: Out: C Barret Robbins (knee). Doubtful: DT Sean Gilbert (groin). Probable: LB Larry Atkins (flu); DT Rod Coleman (flu); LB Napoleon Harris (flu); QB Rick Mirer (neck); CB Carey Scott (flu); CB Terrance Shaw (toe).

Green Bay: Questionable: OT-OG Marcus Spriggs (hamstring). Probable: DT Gilbert Brown (knee); QB Brett Favre (thumb); CB Mike McKenzie (toe); WR Javon Walker (knee).

With yet another offensive lineman placed on injured reserve—the latest was LG Frank Middleton yesterday, number TWELVE!!—Wong, a 6-6, 315-lb. tackle who played collegiately at Brigham Young, was promoted from the practice squad and signed to the 53-man roster. For a World League/NFL Europe guy like Wong, who's been hanging on the fringes hoping for a shot at the active roster, this is an epiphany!!

This observer has a lot of respect for players who scratch and claw, getting paid peanuts and risking permanent injury, hoping for that one lucky shot at the "big time". It's "Rocky" all over again!

Musical chairs: with yet more linemen down, Langston Walker will now start at left guard. Asked when he had last even practiced at the guard position, Walker replied, "Saddam Hussein was still in power." The guy's not only huge, he's a banker's son with a degree from Berkeley and a good sense of humor. :-)

Reserve T Chad Slaughter also moves up the ladder and is expected to be used as a blocking TE in short yardage situations.

Quarterbacks coach Jim Harbaugh is leaving after the final game at San Diego to become head coach at the University of San Diego. Harbaugh, who played several years with the Chargers, was one of four finalists for the Toreros' job. Not too shabby for a guy who won't even turn 40 until Tuesday.

And the rumored top candidate to succeed the departed Rich McKay as General Manager at Tampa Bay is none other than . . . Raiders player personnel head Mike Lombardi, who's said to be a good friend of Jon Gruden.

Where Are They Now Dept.: If Packers DT Gilbert Brown, who's nursing a tender knee, is unable to go Monday night, the Raiders would instead see . . . Gravy Train Jackson. Yes, folks, remember, when the Ain'ts got fed up with Jackson's weight problems and cut him, Green Bay snapped up the big guy. It's doubly ironic because the starter, Brown, is even bigger (fatter/more obese) than Jackson. But unlike the Raiders fatsos, the Pack gets production out of its bowling balls.

Wednesday, December 17, 2003

Another Silver and Black lineman bit the dust today. Just a few days after the Raiders had (inexplicably) told reporters that RG Mo Collins wouldn't go on injured reserve, Collins was so designated. He underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday on the left knee that had troubled him ever since he injured it in practice before the Denver game back in September.

Collins is the eleventh Raider to go on IR this season. :-( (Actually, that's not counting S Keyon Nash, who was IR'd as part of the final roster cutdown.)

Signed to fill the roster spot was DE Grant Irons, a Notre Dame product with a year's NFL experience at Buffalo last year. Irons, 6-5 and 265 pounds, is the son of one-time Raiders OLB Gerald Irons. The younger Irons had 2½ sacks last year. Buffalo released him at the conclusion of its training camp this year.

Also, LB J.R. Johnson was released from the practice squad, and OL Jared Peck was signed to the practice squad.

Saturday, December 13, 2003

Two more Raiders join the 'gone for the season' gang . . . :-(. DT John Parrella, whose torn groin muscle had prevented him from playing for many weeks, went on injured reserve. Odd, don't you think, that the team waited so long to make that move? It was plain that John wasn't going to be able to return this year, so why didn't the Raiders get a healthy body in that roster spot sooner?

Parrella was a huge loss this year. There's no small contingent of sportswriters who rate him the best D-tackle in the game today. (Although this observer wouldn't rate him quite that high.) The Raiders filled the active roster opening with WR John Stone from the practice squad.

To replace Stone, the team re-signed TE and long snapper David Newman of Louisiana Tech, who had been on the roster last summer until the final preseason cut on Labor Day. TE David Newman

(Parenthetically, Newman is an intriguing guy. Talk about a project—he stands 6-7 and weighs in at about 265. He attended Louisiana Tech, Terry Bradshaw's alma mater.)

The second starter is RG Mo Collins, whose left knee needs an arthroscopy. The surgery will apparently be done within the next few days, yet, again oddly, the Raiders won't be putting Collins on IR even though he'll be shelved for the remaining three games of the season.

The ballpark figure for the 2004 salary cap was announced by the NFL Management Council several days ago, and represents an increase of just over 5% from this year's figure of $74.8 million.

The owners were told this week that the cap is expected to be between $78.7 million and $79.2 million per team for 2004. Those figures are subject to adjustment after the league's final gross revenues are determined, and will take effect March 2, when the contract year begins.

The cap number is 64.75% of the NFL's designated gross revenues in the collective bargaining agreement. It first took effect in 1993 and has gone up by as much as 7% to 8% in some seasons.

League and union officials note the cap fluctuations generally are planned to coincide with changes in television revenue. The TV contract is designed to bring in more revenue in some seasons and less in others.

Oakland: Out: G Mo Collins (knee); C Barret Robbins (knee). Doubtful: DT Sean Gilbert (groin). Probable: T Lincoln Kennedy (concussion).

Baltimore: Out: LB Adalius Thomas (elbow). Questionable: QB Kyle Boller (leg); CB Lamont Brightful (knee); T Orlando Brown (chest); CB Cornell Brown (knee); LB Ray Lewis (shoulder); RB Jamal Lewis (wrist); RB Alan Ricard (ankle).

Friday, December 12, 2003

Oakland: Out: G Mo Collins (knee); C Barret Robbins (knee). Doubtful: DT Sean Gilbert (groin). Probable: T Lincoln Kennedy (concussion).

Sunday, December 7, 2003

The final league injury report yesterday varied slightly from what this observer anticipated earlier this week, with G Mo Collins questionable rather than doubtful and SS Derrick Gibson still included as well:

Oakland: Out: DT John Parrella (groin). Doubtful: C Barret Robbins (knee). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); SS Derrick Gibson (neck); DT Sean Gilbert (groin); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle). Probable: FB Chris Hetherington (flu).

Pittsburgh: Out: CB Chad Scott (hand); T Marvel Smith (neck). Probable: RB Jerome Bettis (shoulder); C Jeff Hartings (knee); FB Verron Haynes (knee); QB Tommy Maddox (knee); TE Jay Riemersma (chest); WR Hines Ward (gluteus).

Friday, December 5, 2003

DT Dana Stubblefield was able to complete his first entire practice in many weeks on Wednesday, leading coach Bill Callahan to say that if there were no setbacks, Stubblefield might be active this week.

The Raiders defensive tackle rotation is likely to be shorthanded with Sean Gilbert nursing a groin strain.

Late in the week there was bad news for the offense as both Barret Robbins and Mo Collins missed practice Thursday and were downgraded to doubtful status. Robbins is bothered by arthritis in the knee that was 'scoped back in April. Collins' knee, according to Callahan, has gotten less stable with each week that the mammoth guard has played on it.

Here's the report (as of Wednesday, but with Robbins and Collins shown as they currently are):

Oakland: Out: DT John Parrella (groin). Doubtful: C Barret Robbins (knee), G Mo Collins (knee). Questionable: Sean Gilbert (groin); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle). Probable: FB Chris Hetherington (flu).

Pittsburgh: Out: CB Chad Scott (hand-IR); T Marvel Smith (neck). Probable: RB Jerome Bettis (shoulder); C Jeff Hartings (knee); RB Verron Haynes (knee); QB Tommy Maddox (knee); TE Jay Riemersma (chest); WR Hines Ward (gluteus).

Personnel: The Houston Texans, who had originally drafted S Curry Burns in the seventh round this year, then released him at the end of training camp, grabbed him back again, signing him off the Raiders practice squad to their active roster this week.

Oakland filled the developmental squad opening by re-signing TE and long snapper David Newman of Louisiana Tech. Newman was on the Raiders roster during training camp. At 6-6 and 265 he has good size.

Wednesday, December 3, 2003

By now, all America has heard it so many times over that it's literally no longer news . . . but in case you've just gotten back from Mars, or just concluded a particularly vivid LSD trip, following the 22-8 loss to Denver, coach Bill Callahan finally snapped and called the Raiders "the dumbest team in America." This after his players had collectively joined in a real team debacle, handing away another very winnable game with dumb penalties and mindless miscues.

There are a lot of angles to this, and I'll write a full opinion piece as soon as time allows, but briefly . . . the way I see it, they (the players) had it coming. It's only a wonder that Callahan held it in this long. And it's no coincidence that the player who seemed the most put out by the coach's comments—Charles Woodson—was the blabbermouth who started the backbiting of Callahan weeks back. LB Eric Barton, one of the major miscreants Sunday (he committed an idiotic personal foul, whacking QB Jake Plummer well out of bounds, to keep a Denver drive alive), had a different take on Callahan's criticism: "He's probably right," said Barton.

Source(s): San Jose Mercury News, San Francisco Chronicle, Contra Costa Times, Associated Press

Personnel changes: These moves are always of interest to me. The coaches shook up the defense somewhat for the Denver game, probably partly in response to "Crazy" Johnson being so overmatched size-wise at the "Sam" or strong side linebacking spot.

Tim Johnson started at middle linebacker and Napoleon Harris moved to the strong side slot.

Also, newcomer DE Lorenzo Bromell started instead of the inept DeLawrence Grant at left defensive end. Callahan said after the game that Bromell had acquitted himself well and will remain the starter.

"We saw a lot of things in terms of his pass rush and ability to put pressure on the passer and play the point of attack well," Callahan said. Bromell had a sack in the game, the first by a Raider in several weeks.

Finally, DT Sean Gilbert suffered a likely groin injury late in the game and was unable to finish. He had an MRI on Monday but didn't expect to get results until today.

Gilbert, who only joined the team a few weeks back and had been trying to play himself into game shape, expressed frustration at the timing of the injury. "I was feeling great, too. I was getting acclimated. Watching myself, I could see progress in the feel and awareness."

Saturday, November 29, 2003

Oakland: Out: DT John Parrella (groin); S Rod Woodson (knee/quadricep, IR). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); S Derrick Gibson (neck); C Barret Robbins (knee); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle). Probable: S Anthony Dorsett (leg); G Frank Middleton (quadricep).

Denver: Questionable: TE Shannon Sharpe (ribs); LB Al Wilson (neck). Probable: DE Mario Fatafehi (rib); WR Ed McCaffrey (thigh); C Tom Nalen (ankle); G Dan Neil (thumb); QB Jake Plummer (foot); RB Clinton Portis (heel); TE Jeb Putzier (shoulder); T Ephraim Salaam (knee); LB Donnie Spragan (foot); LB Jashon Sykes (knee).

It wouldn't be a week in Oakland without losing another starter to IR. The latest, and perhaps the most costly of all, was Pro Bowl FS Ron Woodson, who was designated on November 26. After having torn meniscus (knee cartilage) repaired after the season's second game, Woodson hadn't been able to practice even once since then. Yet week after week he took a painkilling injection to be able to play in Sunday's game, and he continued to play at a high level despite the injury.

Finally, the cost of playing injured manifested itself as the compensation Woodson was having to do for the dicey knee caused his quadricep muscle to begin failing him.

Woodson never, to this observer's knowledge, complained even once, and the Sports Xchange analysis for this week suggests Woodson would probably have continued dressing for games were there anything at stake.

The Raiders will miss Woodson, the team's playmaker on defense. (I don't count showboating Philip Buchanon, who gives up more touchdowns than he produces.) Rookie Nnamdi Asomugha, who played free safety three of his four years at Cal, will fill in for him in the starting lineup. Fortunately for Raiders fans, Woodson indicated he wants to return next year for another season.

This observer's vote (with 5 games still remaining) for Raiders MVPs this year: Ron Woodson, Rick Mirer and Tyrone Wheatley. For Goat of the year: a four-way tie between Frank Middleton, DeLawrence Grant, Phillip Buchanon and Tyler Brayton. (After 11 games, Brayton still hasn't learned to hold his lane?!?!?)

Here are some small bits of trivia about some of the most recent active roster additions:

LB Larry Atkins, who played collegiately at UCLA, is a 4-year NFL veteran, 6-3 and 250. He played at Kansas City 1999-2002, then was released by KC on this past August 26 with an injury settlement.

Atkins was inactive last week, but coach Bill Callahan said he could see action on special teams this week.

DE Lorenzo Bromell, a 6-6, 260 lb. Clemson product, saw substantial action his first week with the Raiders—several dozen snaps, in fact. And he started today against Denver. He's clearly an improvement over DeLawrence Grant.

Bromell played four years with Miami (1998-2001), then spent 2002 with Minnesota. The Tykes cut him on 8/31/03.

G Corey Hulsey, like Atkins, was inactive last week. Hulsey was a part-time starter with Buffalo in 2001, then out of football in 2002. The Raiders signed him in February, then released him at the end of training camp with an injury settlement.

Such players can't be re-signed, by rule, for 10 weeks, and it was 10 weeks later that Hulsey was re-signed. He has good size—he's 6-4 and 325—and with the experience that he has, could prove to be a useful backup before all is said and done.

Finally, J.R. Redmond, out of Arizona State, was drafted by New England and played there for three seasons. In 2000 he was the Patsies' second leading rusher with 406 yards. New England released him this year at the end of its training camp.

5-11 and 215, Redmond is a Los Angeles native. This observer will try not to hold that against him.

Thursday, November 27, 2003

Between 6,500 and 7,000 tickets remain for Sunday's home game against the Broncos. ... Because of today's holiday, the deadline to sell them all and lift the blackout has been moved to Friday at 1:15 p.m. ... Safety Curry Burns, who was a seventh-round choice by Houston this year, was signed to the practice squad. Burns played collegiately at Louisville.

Saturday, November 22, 2003

Personnel: Last Sunday's win was dreadfully expensive, as three more players suffered season-ending injuries. DE Trace Armstrong suffered a torn labrum, the same injury that finished Rich Gannon's year, and Trace is similarly done for the year (although coach Bill Callahan said he did not think surgery was planned). And at age 38, you have to wonder if Armstrong might not be through for good . . . . This is three consecutive seasons that he's finished the year on IR. He went on injured reserve on Wednesday, along with two—count 'em—two partially torn medial collateral ligaments (knee): OLB Travian Smith, already filling in for Bill Romanowski, and rookie tailback Justin Fargas. DE Sam Williams, who had oddly spent one week after another deactivated, was finally IR'd as well.

Petty bitch No. 1: why can't the Raiders ever tell their fans the truth about injuries to their players? Screw the league, if you're so inclined, but we fans deserve better!! It must have been obvious the minute they opened up William's knee months back that it was more than the "minor procedure" they described at the time. The guy didn't practice once in over two months, so in effect the team went more than two months with one player less than every other NFL team, at the same time their DL was decimated by injuries. Am I stupid, or was someone on the Raiders less than bright about handling this situation? You tell me . . .

Petty bitch No. 2: Most of us who remember the Hostetler debacle knew from day one that Gannon wouldn't be returning to play this year. So why play out the farce of waiting two weeks to tell us Gannon couldn't lift his arm, let alone throw a ball?

Replacements: Eric "Crazy" Johnson steps in to play the strong side linebacker role. The undersized Johnson (217 lbs.) reminded reporters yesterday that he's not nicknamed "Crazy" for nothing, rattling off a list of similarly undersized, overachieving linebackers with other teams: Miami's Zack Thomas, Dallas's Dat Nguyen and Dexter Coakley, etc. Hey, nobody doubts your courage, Eric, but those 300-pounders don't just bang you once or twice. They wear you down . . .

RB Charlie Garner practiced again this week and will be available, although Callahan said Wheatley will remain the starter against Kansas City. Wheatley has been a tower of strength for the Silver and Black this past two weeks!

Signed to fill the roster openings were LB Larry Atkins, DE Lorenzo Bromell and RB J.R. Redmond. G Corey Hulsey. a late-August cut by the Raiders and former part-time starter with the Bills, was re-signed.

Hulsey, from Clemson, is 6-4, 325, and has a year's NFL experience; he started 12 games for Buffalo in 2001 but was out of football last year. This year the Raiders waived him with an injury settlement on August 30. Bromell, 6-6 and 260, also from Clemson, is a decent pass rusher with 25½ sacks in 5 NFL seasons (four with Miami, 2002 with Minnesota). He's been "on the couch" since the Vikes cut him last August.

Atkins is 6-3 and 250 and played collegiately at UCLA. Redmond, 5-11 and 215, attended Arizona State and is a 3-year NFL veteran. Originally a third-round draft pick by New England, he was the Patsies' second-leading rusher in 2000. He was released by the Patriots at the end of training camp in August.

Oakland: Out: DE Trace Armstrong (shoulder); RB Justin Fargas (knee); DT John Parrella (groin); OLB Travian Smith (knee); DE Sam Williams (knee). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); RB Charlie Garner (back); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); G Frank Middleton (quadricep); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); S Rod Woodson (knee). Probable: C Barret Robbins (knee).

Kansas City: Questionable: WR Marc Boerigter (thigh); DE Eddie Freeman (toe); LB Mike Maslowski (knee); G Brian Waters (shoulder); S Jerome Woods (back). Probable: WR Dante Hall (shoulder); RB Tony Richardson (hand); DT Ryan Sims (foot); T John Tait (ankle).

Sunday, November 16, 2003

There is lots of news to report, and insufficient time before the game starts even to begin.

This late note on the injury front: RB Charlie Garner was downgraded to doubtful in the final league report (bruised tailbone) and coach Bill Callahan ruled him out for today's game. RB Tyrone Wheatley will start in his stead and can expect to tote the skin a few times, as Minnesota's not much better than the Raiders at stopping the run.

Also, Callahan said this week that The Oval Office, big Lincoln Kennedy, has officially reclaimed the starter's role at right tackle despite still being at less than 100%.

Oakland: Out: QB Rich Gannon (shoulder-IR); DT John Parrella (groin); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder-IR); DE Sam Williams (knee). Doubtful: RB Charlie Garner (back); G Frank Middleton (quadricep); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); OT Lincoln Kennedy (calf); S Rod Woodson (knee/quadricep).

Minnesota: Out: S Jack Brewer (shoulder-IR). Questionable: LB Raonall Smith (hamstring). Probable: G David Dixon (ankle).

Thursday, November 13, 2003

"LIGHTNING ROD," it says in ALL CAPS, over a photo of an intense-looking Ron Woodson. It's the lead headline at the moment on the FOXSports web site. It refers, of course, to Woodson sounding off about the veteran teammates whom he says aren't going all out.

"We've got some veterans who aren't working," Woodson said yesterday. "Some veterans I don't think understand it. They don't want to put in the work. I've been on three other teams and it's like that anywhere you go. Knowing how to play is attitude, that's not ability."

Asked for his reaction, Coach Bill Callahan seemed to agree but then equivocated when asked for names. Woodson had declined to single out any particular players.

"I think there are players with inexperience and players being put in positions and roles that need to step up," Callahan said. "We need everyone to step up and we are counting on everyone to do that. Are there specific players? Not that I see."

The Gate—The San Francisco Chronicle web site—carried the most extensive excerpts of what Ron Woodson had to say.

Woodson initially went to some effort to "define his parameters," as the Chron's Raiders beat reporter Nancy Gay artfully put it. "Vested veterans are guys that have four years or more in the league," said Woodson, "and we've got some veterans that, I don't think, understand it all; that, I don't think, want to put in all the work."

"I've been on three other teams (Steelers, 49ers, Ravens) and every time you're in this situation with a team, you see that. You see where a guy doesn't understand it, doesn't understand how to play the game. He can play football because he puts the pads on every week. But does he understand the situation, of when or when not to do certain things? I think we have guys that don't understand all of that right now."

"When you have that and you're not playing good and you have all these injuries, then, yeah, you end up 2-7."

"Oh, not knowing how to play is attitude," Woodson, 38, emphasized. "That's not ability. Ability is if somebody outruns you and you just can't catch him; he's faster and that's just God-given talent that he has."

"But if they tell you, as a safety, to be hook-curl and you're in the flat, well heck, that's all mind-set. You're not concentrating. So you just have to keep it all in perspective, of what you're asked to do, how to do it and when to do it. And whether you're listening well enough."

Oakland: Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); RB Charlie Garner (back); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); S Rod Woodson (knee/quadricep). Doubtful: G Frank Middleton (quadricep); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle). Out: QB Rich Gannon (shoulder); DT John Parrella (groin); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DE Sam Williams (knee).

Minnesota: Probable: G David Dixon (ankle). Questionable: LB Raonall Smith (hamstring). Out: S Jack Brewer (shoulder).

25 semi-finalists for this year's Pro Football Hall of Fame class were named, including two put forward by the Seniors Committee (T Bob Brown (Philadelphia Eagles 1964-68, Los Angeles Rams 1969-70 and Oakland Raiders 1971-73) and WR Bob Hayes, Dallas Cowboys (1965-74) and San Francisco 49ers (1975). Leading the way among those eligible for the first time were QB John Elway and RB Barry Sanders.

The 15 finalists will be announced in mid-January, with the new class elected the day before the Super Bowl in Houston. Harry Carson and George Young are automatic finalists for 2004 because of their high finish in last year's voting.

Also nominated were wide receivers Cliff Branch, Art Monk and Steve Tasker, who is also listed as a special teams player; quarterback Ken Stabler; defensive ends Richard Dent, Carl Eller, L.C. Greenwood, Claude Humphrey and Jim Marshall; linebacker Randy Gradishar; guards Russ Grimm and Bob Kuechenberg; safeties Cliff Harris and Donnie Shell; cornerbacks Lester Hayes and Roger Wehrli; tackles Rayfield Wright and Gary Zimmerman; punter Ray Guy; and team owners Art Modell (Browns, Ravens) and Ralph Wilson Jr. (Bills).

TE Roland Williams signed a one-year contract with Tampa Bay, to work for Jon Gruden again. Amazingly, Williams still doesn't know when he'll be able to play again.

Tampa Bay must really be hurting at the tight end position. Just yesterday they re-signed first-round draft bust Rickey Dudley, whom they'd cut at the end of training camp. Now a contract (and of course a roster spot) to a guy who may not play a down this year . . .

Sunday, November 9, 2003

It rained yesterday in the Bay Area. That, combined with the fact that the House of Thrills field is actually slightly below sea level, may make for somewhat slick footing today—conducive to running the ball.

This observer would like to see Tyrone Wheatley get a few chances to play smash-mouth, especially with Jets Josh Evans and John Abraham out for the game.

Saturday, November 8, 2003

Oakland: Out: QB Rich Gannon (shoulder); DT John Parrella (groin); QB Marques Tuiasosopo (knee-injured reserve). Doubtful: C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); DE Sam Williams (knee). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); G Frank Middleton (quadricep); S Rod Woodson (knee). Probable: WR Jerry Porter (abdomen).

New York Jets: Out: CB Donnie Abraham (shoulder); DE John Abraham (groin); WR Wayne Chrebet (concussion); S Jon McGraw (shoulder). Probable: RB Michael Bates (hand); LB Morris Lewis (hip/back).

The same seven players who did not practice Thursday were held out again Friday: QB Rich Gannon, DT John Parrella, G Matt Stinchcomb, G Frank Middleton, FS Rod Woodson, DE Sam Williams and DT Dana Stubblefield. With Stinchcomb probably out, Adam Treu will be the backup center. Brad Badger will start at left guard in place of Frank Middleton..

Second-year tackle Langston Walker will probably start again tomorrow at right tackle for Lincoln Kennedy, who is still nursing that tender right calf. Walker's been one of the team's few bright spots this year, along with punter Shane Lechler. Recall that most scouts called Walker a definite reach when the Raiders drafted him in the second round last year. The experience he's getting this season will be invaluable as the Raiders have to look at rebuilding at least a significant part of their offensive line over the next year or two.

Barret Robbins is as good as there is at his position, and Barry Sims, despite taking fans' heat for his false starts this year, is still an above-average left tackle. But this observer can't see journeyman Frank Middleton in the Raiders' future, and Mo Collins needs to drop 30 or 40 pounds.

Coach Bill Callahan named Rob Johnson the No. 2 quarterback behind Rick Mirer. That's hardly surprising since Johnson has 29 NFL starts and Tee Martin has yet to throw an NFL pass.

Said Callahan, "(The decision was) based on repetitions in practice and preparation and predicated on what we want to do. We'll have a limited package of plays he knows, plays that he understands."

"He's a sharp kid," Callahan said of the eight-year veteran. "He knows what's going on. He's been prepared well. He's been diligent about the preparation this week. We've got confidence that if he got into the game, he could come in and manage it."

Thursday, November 6, 2003

As had been expected, the Raiders IR'd Marques Tuiasosopo yesterday when MRI results showed a partially torn medial collateral ligament in his knee. QB Tee Martin was elevated from the practice squad to the active roster, and he and newly signed Rob Johnson are nominally in competition for the No. 2 spot behind starter Rick Mirer. In fact, Johnson should have little difficulty holding off Martin, who has never thrown an NFL pass.

(It might be fun to see if the coaching staff actually tries to take advantage of the fact that both Mirer and Johnson can throw the long ball, something neither Gannon nor Tui was competent at doing.)

The team also cut CB Carey Scott from the practice squad, leaving two openings. Those were filled by signing RB Keith Burnell and North Dakota alumnus OL Matt Knutson. You can read some local background on Knutson if you like courtesy of the Grand Forks Herald here.

The tempest in a teapot which had swirled in the locker room since Charles Woodson first started taking pot shots at coach Bill Callahan seems to have quieted down nicely.

Callahan called Woodson in for a "chat." In typical Callahan fashion, he declined to provide details but described it as having been "positive" in tone. Additionally, Tim Brown—who's been through his share of locker room drama and team morale problems—called a players meeting at which he and several others said basically, let's shut up and focus on the Jets!

Perhaps the Raiders will put their energy into focusing on the opponent this week and turn their awful losing streak around. We can always hope!

Speaking of Woodson, radio blabbermouth J.T. the Brick, not exactly a taciturn fellow himself, takes Woodson to task in an MSNBC.com commentary which you can access here. While I personally think that J.T. is a blowhard, it's still nice to see someone giving Callahan credit for some minimal intellect.

Wednesday, November 5, 2003

With QB Marques Tuiasosopo rumored to be headed for IR, and Rich Gannon still probably a minimum of several weeks away, journeyman QB Rob Johnson was signed yesterday to the Raiders active roster and will back up Rick Mirer. (Coach Bill Callahan said the Raiders were also considering signing Tee Martin from the practice squad.)

Johnson's been around, and had some of his best seasons in Buffalo, when he and Doug Flutie seemed always to be locked in a less-than-pleasant competition to start. The knock on Johnson is that he holds on to the ball and is immobile, making him sack-prone. Anyone remember a big guy named Jeff George?

Johnson was originally a fourth-round pick by Jacksonville in 1995 out of Southern Cal. In his eight previous seasons he has played for the Jags, Buffalo, Tampa Bay, and most recently, for Washington for the first two games this season before being cut by Slippery Steve Spurrier.

There's an entertaining summary of the Raiders-Jets rivalry posted at Raiders.com. It was a great rivalry back in AFL days, with Broadway Joe Namath accusing Big Ben Davidson of intentionally breaking his jaw . . . the Heidi game . . . etc., etc. Nowadays, something of a yawner.

One thing you can bet on . . . even with Jets leader Wayne Chrebet out with a concussion, Herman Edwards will have his troops pumped up to play in the Black Hole. As bad as things have gone for his team this season, he would never display the seeming indifference of Bill Callahan with a storm raging around him.

The Ain'ts flat out cut Gravy Jackson yesterday after they felt that their latest discipline, a one-week suspension, hadn't even made a dent in the big tackle's thick skull. Amazingly, Green Bay quickly grabbed him off waivers. Say what you want about Jackson's weight, he did have ability when his stamina allowed.

Saturday, November 1, 2003

Oakland: Questionable: LB Eric Barton (shoulder); G Mo Collins (knee); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); G Frank Middleton (quadricep); WR Jerry Porter (abdomen); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); S Rod Woodson (knee). Doubtful: QB Rich Gannon (shoulder); DT John Parrella (groin); DE Sam Williams (knee).

Detroit: Probable: CB Dre' Bly (hamstring); QB Joey Harrington (finger). Questionable: DE Robert Porcher (hip); RB Stephen Trejo (foot). Doubtful: CB Roderick Babers (shoulder); CB Jimmy Wyrick (chest). Out: WR Eddie Drummond (ankle/knee); P John Jett (calf-IR); WR Charles Rogers (collarbone); T Victor Rogers (back).

For all the media attention that Charles Woodson drew for his mini-tirade during an ESPN interview the other night, you'd hardly know anything had happened by talking to the Raiders players.

Ask Tim Brown. You remember, the reticent, reserved guy who, during the Joe Bugel debacle, told reporters he'd call his own plays in the huddle if the coaches didn't get with it? Said Brown on Thursday, "I'm telling you, this locker room is as tight as it's ever been."

Nor did even Motormouth Middleton have anything to contribute. Could it be that Sir Charles is a little bit antsy seeing what may be his last season as a Raider slip away? He has a underwhelming 3 interceptions on the year—not exactly Pro Bowl credentials.

Friday, October 31, 2003

I'll cover Charles Woodson and the palace intrigue tomorrow when it's earlier in the day. For now, I wanted to highlight several changes in the starting lineups which might portend good things for the Raiders.

It was a long time coming, but cocky Phillip Buchanon has finally played his way into the starter's role on the right corner, ahead of journeyman Terrance Shaw. This is a good development. Nothing was handed to Buchanon; he learned the hard way, and with a handful of bonehead rookie errors thrown in for good measure. My only reservation about Buchanon is the same one I have about Woodson—big opposing receivers simply go up and take the ball from them. I mean, if Randy Moss and David Boston can embarrass Charles Woodson, and they do, what about shrimpy little Buchanan? We shall see . . . Buchanon will also have to deal with the fatigue factor as he continues returning punts on the special teams.

TE Teyo Johnson was told by his position coach this week that he will start. This could be read a number of ways. Doug Jolley isn't much of a blocker, but neither is Johnson, yet. Neither was Todd Christensen, for that matter. I think the Raiders are more concerned with offensive productivity in terms of yards per catch and running after the catch. Jolley's figures have fallen way off from last year. I believe I read that the "deep threat down the middle" is averaging less than 7 yards per catch, and he seems to fall down at the mere sight of a defender entering his field of vision. Hopefully, at the very least, heightened competition between Jolley and Johnson will spur each to improve his play.

Every team the Raiders face this year is throwing endless Cover 2 zones at the Silver and Black. That defense's weak spot is deep, over the middle. If the Raiders want some respect out of opposing defenses, they must learn to start burning opponents who try simply to reenact the Super Bowl. (Of course, Tuiasosopo's better velocity on the ball won't hurt either.)

Finally, the most intriguing news of all to this observer was Bill Callahan's decision that second-year guy Langston Walker will start again at right tackle. Asked if that was because of Lincoln Kennedy's nagging injury (torn calf muscle), Callahan replied in the negative. Is Callahan seriously saying that Kennedy's play has fallen off so far from two consecutive Pro Bowl seasons that he no longer belongs in the starting lineup? Remember that Walker did great in his first spot start for Kennedy, but then came the Penalty Party in which Walker committed his share of idiocy. Kennedy rarely makes mental errors. Does Callahan know something we don't? Food for thought . . .

Wednesday, October 29, 2003

Where Are They Now Dept.: The Ain'ts have suspended Gravy Jackson for a game for conduct detrimental to the team.

Rumor has it the disciplinary action is related to weight issues. Jackson is said to be pushing 370 lately.

Tuesday, October 28, 2003

Truth is stranger than fiction Dept.—The Sequel: The Raiders have used Bill Romanowski's roster spot to sign DT Sean Gilbert, who has been out of football this year.

Listed at a laughable 6-5, 325 pounds, Gilbert promised to get in playing shape by 2005 or suffer 20 lashes with a wet noodle. Well, not quite . . . But he did say he could beat last year's gem, Sam Adams, in a 10-yard waddle . . . Well, not quite, either . . .

Gilbert brings two notable achievements to his new team. He was the youngest player ever—at age 22, but 10 years ago—to start in the Pro Bowl. And . . . he's from the same home town—Aliquippa, PA—as Anthony Doorstop!! Which absolutely guarantees he'll be a hit!

Gilbert has 42.5 career sacks, and had one monster year, in 1993, with 10.5 sacks. This signing reunites him with fellow tackle Dana Stubblefield. You'll recall that Washington shelled out millions in an effort to build an impenetrable defensive front with Stubby and Gilbert. The experiment was a dismal failure.

Honestly, this makes you wonder how many of the Raiders players must be rolling their eyes at home, behind closed doors . . .

Monday, October 27, 2003

DE DeLawrence Grant was excused from practice today. Stuck in Southern California, he couldn't get back to Alameda. It was unclear if the obstacle to travel was the smoke and ash in the air there or the chronic fog in Grant's cranium.

(Charles Woodson, Jerry Porter, Rick Mirer, and Eric Barton were also stuck in SoCal, but we attribute more smarts to them, since they don't seem to be lost on the field.)

OL Brad Badger will probably start again Sunday in place of G Frank Middleton. That's arguably an improvement.

The Raiders wasted no time getting rid of Darrell Russell, waiving him today. He will reportedly cost the Raiders a cap hit of approximately $3.68 million, but they've known for a long time that that penalty was coming and have budgeted for it.

I forgot to add, in connection with yesterday's news concerning LB Bill Romanowski, that the Raiders have not announced a replacement for that spot on the active roster. They have said they intend to work out candidates during this bye week.

Rookie DE Sam Williams underwent what we were told at the time was a relatively routine arthroscopic procedure to remove a piece of meniscus (torn cartilage in the knee) after the first game of the season. He is still not practicing, but the Raiders say maybe by Wednesday, and also maybe on special teams. Yeah, and maybe bears use outhouses, too . . .

Speaking of long-term absences, it's been more than a month since S Ron Woodson practiced.

According to ESPN, loser Darrell Russell has been reinstated by the NFL. His agent claims he will sign with Washington as soon as the Raiders have waived him. That should happen today or tomorrow.

This observer is still heartsick that the Raiders couldn't do whatever it took to leapfrog St. Louis and get Orlando Pace in that 1997 draft.

Sunday, October 26, 2003

Among the latest list of 67 nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame are ten former Raiders or Raiders execs.

Quarterbacks Jim Plunkett and Ken Stabler, wide receiver Cliff Branch, tight end Todd Christensen, offensive tackle Bob Brown, running back Roger Craig, cornerbacks Lester Hayes and Albert Lewis, punter Ray Guy and contributor Ron Wolf are on this preliminary list. Brown's nomination had previously been announced by the Seniors Committee (see news for 8/15/03).

For you youngsters aspiring to learn the Raiders tradition, of the ten named above, Brown and Roger Craig finished up their careers wearing the Silver and Black for one final year. Stabler, Branch, Christensen, Hayes, and Guy were Raiders most or all of their careers. Ray Guy was, flat out, the greatest punter who has ever played, and it is a particular travesty that one who so dominated his position has not been elected.

Ron Wolf was in charge of scouting and player personnel for the Raiders under Al Davis, and later went on to become the GM at Green Bay who built the Brett Favre-Ron Holmgren-Reggie White machine of the '90s.

Finally, Jim Plunkett was the prototypical Raiders comeback story. A bright and sensitive man (a Stanford grad, no less), he had the misfortune to get drafted by New England, a team with what, in those days, was pro football's worst offensive line, bar none. After 6 or 7 years with the Patriots, beaten to a pulp and unfairly saddled with a reputation as gunshy and washed up, he was traded away to San Francisco—another losing team with a terrible OL—for almost nothing. San Francisco kept him on the bench, preferring to start career journeyman Steve DeBerg instead.

With Kenny Stabler's career winding down the Raiders traded for Plunkett, but even they saw him only as a backup to strong-armed but wildly erratic QB Dan Pastorini. Fortunately (most Raiders fans would agree), Pastorini broke his leg about a half dozen games into a season. As Pastorini left on a stretcher, the (home) crowd cheered at the prospect of a quarterback change. The rusty Jim Plunkett trotted on the field and never looked back, leading the Raiders to Lombardi Trophies for the 1980 and 1983 seasons.

QB Rich Gannon will miss an estimated two weeks due to the shoulder injury suffered in the Kansas City loss on Oct. 21. This after coach Bill Callahan vacillated most of the week as to whether Gannon would miss time or not. No one has officially told reporters what the MRI findings were, but ESPN reporter John Clayton claims that it is a "sprained AC joint"—whatever that is. (Perhaps anterior cruciate?)

Thursday OLB Bill Romanowski was placed on injured reserve. The team said Romo would remain with the Raiders this season as an unofficial defensive assistant.

Coach Bill Callahan deferred all questions about Romanowski's medical condition to the linebacker, who (in true Raiders fashion) was unavailable for comment. Callahan did emphasize that the IR decision was mutual between Romo and the team, and applies to this year only. Romanowski has not addressed the retirement issue, said Callahan. The implication was that the doctors agreed that Romanowski couldn't reasonably expect to be able to play safely again this year.

Unstated, but lurking in the background whenever the word "retirement" comes up, is the salary cap issue. Normally a player's signing bonus is prorated over the life of the contract. In the event Romanowski were to retire, the entire remaining amount of his bonus would be accelerated and count against the retirement year (presumably 2004).

NFLPA figures for salary year 2002 show that Romanowski signed a contract with a base salary of $750,000 and a signing bonus of $1.3 million. Doing the math—we'll skip the details; trust me :-)—that works out to a 6-year contract. So if he retired, Romo would have 4 years worth of 6, or 66.7% of the signing bonus accelerated—a cap hit to the Raiders of roughly $867,000. In these times, not a staggering sum, but not exactly chicken feed either.

Source(s): NBC-TV (San Jose), ESPN.com, San Francisco Chronicle, Oakland Tribune

Sunday, October 19, 2003

After receiving several last-second extensions from the NFL, the Raiders and KGO-TV (the local ABC affiliate) paired to buy up the remaining unsold tickets for tomorrow night's game to avoid a local TV blackout. There were apparently as many as 5000 tickets still unsold.

Saturday, October 18, 2003

Here's the final league injury report for Monday night. Bear in mind that coach Bill Callahan has flatly said WR Jerry Porter will play, but the Raiders continue to list Porter as doubtful.

Oakland: Doubtful: G Frank Middleton (quadricep); DT John Parrella (groin); WR Jerry Porter (abdomen); LB Bill Romanowski (concussion). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); S Anthony Dorsett (elbow); RB Ronney Jenkins (ankle); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); TE O.J. Santiago (hamstring); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); DE Sam Williams (knee); S Rod Woodson (knee). Probable: S Derrick Gibson (shoulder); LB Eric Johnson (chest).

Kansas City: Out: CB Darrius Johnson (knee). Doubtful: DE R-Kal Truluck (ankle). Questionable: WR Marc Boerigter (toe); LB Fred Jones (foot); LB Kawika Mitchell (hamstring). Probable: LB Shawn Barber (quadricep); DT John Browning (toe); WR Dante Hall (shoulder); DE Vonnie Holliday (groin); RB Priest Holmes (shoulder); T Willie Roaf (ankle).

To call the injury situation serious would be farcical. This is 30 to 40% of the starters either unable to play, or so hobbled that they're next to it, all at the same time. And with a genuinely greatly improved Squaws team coming to town. :-(

On offense, Frank Frank (shouldn't that be Fat Frank?) is so out of shape this year that he's been an injury waiting to happen. And it did. He got pushed back on his ample backside, and just like Humpty Dumpty, he couldn't get back (up) again. Add Mo Collins' knee, that's been bad for over a month, and Lincoln Kennedy's torn right calf, likewise taking many weeks to heal, and you have the major part of the offensive line. Especially since Doug Jolley is not any kind of serious blocker—he blocks the way Todd Christenson did. It would be different if he were on pace to catch 80 balls as Todd routinely did during his salad days as a Raider, but Jolley's largely a bust as far as being the "deep new threat" we heard so much about last year.

And it would be different also if the backups had performed as well as the team has a right to expect. Not like All Pro's, necessarily, but at least like guys who practice with the team, study the game plan like everyone else, etc. But between Brad Badger (one-time starter for the Vikes) and Langston Walker (high draft pick, talked up by the coaching staff the week before) doing a great imitation of the Keystone Cops, and Stinky playing his usual . . . well, stinky quality of game, it must have been hard to detect the source of the usual odor emanating off Lake Erie last Sunday.

It's perhaps worse on defense because the Raiders are such a poor tackling team to start with. They desperately need a Parrella type holding the middle against the run. But Parrella doesn't just have the groin strain we were led to believe—no, his groin muscle has been torn entirely off the hip bone! Eeewwww!!! Stubblefield has had a gimpy ankle for weeks now, and with Rod Coleman having (by his standards) a terrible year, all of a sudden there's NO run defense there. We were reminded last week that once-highly-touted Chris Cooper is still on the team when he chipped in with his contribution to the bonehead penalty pile, and with DeLawrence Grant, you really have to ask the question, is the guy brain dead? Is there any life at all in that cranium?

Monday, October 13, 2003

CB Carey Scott has been re-signed to the practice squad. It was not reported who was cut to make room. A possibility would be LB Robert Chapman, since the Raiders re-signed Tim Johnson instead of promoting Chapman to fill the void created by the uncertainty over Bill Romanowski's future. Unlikely to have been cut, it would seem, would be T Joe Wong, so long as Lincoln Kennedy remains hobbled while recovering from that torn right calf muscle.

(To the uninitiated, the practice squad changes personnel numerous times during the course of a typical season. The same player may well come and go 6 or 8 times. In any given week the squad may include one or two draft picks deemed not ready to play yet but good enough to require protecting (e.g., LB Shurron Pierson), one or two insurance policies for positions at which the team is thin (e.g., T Joe Wong), and one or two players who can simulate reasonably well specific opponents for whom the Raiders are preparing that particular week (e.g., Tee Martin is a running-style quarterback, thus useful to simulate Steve McNair, Jake Plummer or Daunte Culpepper, all of whom the Raiders face this year.)

Also in personnel news, CB Anthony Parker, IR'd at the time of the team's final roster cutdown Aug. 31, was released with an injury settlement.

Saturday, October 11, 2003

Oakland: Doubtful: WR Jerry Porter (abdomen); LB Bill Romanowski (concussion). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); S Derrick Gibson (shoulder); RB Ronney Jenkins (ankle); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); DT John Parrella (groin); TE O.J. Santiago (hamstring); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); RB Tyrone Wheatley (back); DE Sam Williams (knee); S Rod Woodson (knee).

Cleveland: Questionable: QB Kelly Holcomb (ankle); CB Michael Lehan (hamstring); OT Barry Stokes (ankle).

It's not immediately apparent from the injury report, with numerous Raiders listed simply as questionable, but the Raiders are pretty banged up in spots on both offense and defense.

G Mo Collins is still hampered by the same sore knee that's been causing him to appear in the list for a few weeks now, but this week for the first time he missed two straight days of practice. Coach Bill Callahan said one option if Collins isn't up to starting would be to move Frank Middleton over to the right side and insert Stinky at left guard.

On the defensive line both starting tackles are hurting, Dana Stubblefield with a serious ankle sprain and John Parrella with a groin pull. Callahan said he might play Akbar Gbaja-Biamila on the inside if need be. That's in addition to the parade we've seen lately at defensive end.

Next, in the secondary Nnamdi Asomugha practiced at safety all week, and Terrance Shaw took some reps there as well. Does this portend benching both Derrick Gibson and Anthony Doorstop simultaneously? One can only hope . . .

Finally, kick returner Ronney Jenkins, who's spent most of the past three weeks on crutches, has needed cortisone shots the last two weeks in order to play.

Wednesday, October 8, 2003

WR Jerry Porter returned to practice today, but only to the extent of walking through no-contact, individualized drills. Porter continued to insist he expects to be back for Sunday's game, but the team has listed him as doubtful on the injury report submitted to the league.

Oakland: Questionable: RB Ronney Jenkins (ankle); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); DT John Parrella (groin); TE O.J. Santiago (hamstring); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle); RB Tyrone Wheatley (back); DE Sam Williams (knee); S Rod Woodson (knee). Doubtful: WR Jerry Porter (abdomen); LB Bill Romanowski (concussion).

Cleveland: Questionable: QB Kelly Holcomb (ankle); CB Michael Lehan (hamstring); T Barry Stokes (ankle).

In something of a stunner, the Raiders waived rookie safety Siddeeq Shabazz last week to make room for re-signing LB Tim Johnson. Shabazz was quickly snatched up by Atlanta.

This observer doesn't question the need for more linebacking depth on the roster with Romanowski's status such as it is, but Shabazz definitely showed more upside than either Derrick Gibson or Anthony Doorstop.

I saw Shabazz in the exhibition game against Minnesota in August and was favorably impressed. Late in the fourth quarter the Tikes sent RB John Avery wide on a sweep to their left. Avery has great speed—he had 40 times in the high 4.2 range when he came out of college. The knock on Avery has always been that he's considered brittle, too easily injured, too small and not tough enough, not an "every down" back—but no one ever questioned his speed. Yet Shabazz got out to the flank very nicely to make a sure tackle and cut off what looked like a long gainer for little or no gain. So my thoughts about Shabazz were, (1) good speed for a safety, and (2) he can tackle, which is a lost art on the Raiders football team.

But instead the team keeps two thoroughly lousy safeties, neither with any upside. Go figure . . .

Thursday, October 2, 2003

The preliminary injury report for Sunday's game at the renovated Soldier Field:

Oakland: Doubtful: WR Jerry Porter (abdomen); LB Bill Romanowski (concussion). Questionable: G Mo Collins (knee); SS Derrick Gibson (shoulder); RB Ronney Jenkins (ankle); T Lincoln Kennedy (calf); TE O.J. Santiago (hamstring); C Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder); DT Dana Stubblefield (ankle).

Chicago: Out: LB Bobbie Howard (hamstring). Questionable: DT Keith Traylor (knee); S Cameron Worrell (knee). Probable: RB Anthony Thomas (shoulder); G Chris Villarrial (knee).

As much as this observer dislikes Bill Romanowski—I lost all respect for the man many years back—it's sad to see him anguishing in a fog, so to speak, trying to decide whether he should retire, trying to justify hanging on long enough for the symptoms to subside before he decides what to do. The very fact that he's having to ask the question pretty well defines the answer, of course . . .

The brain is a delicate organ. Definitely not designed for the ultra-violent, cheap shot style of football played by Romanowski. And even though it is, perhaps, poetic justice that if someone had to suffer possible permanent brain damage, it would be Romanowski, still . . . it is sad, very sad, to this observer.

But . . . while Romanowski ponders, the Raiders organization must naturally assume something close to a worst case scenario and plan for contingencies. And so, first, there was the return, this time on the practice squad, of LB Robert Chapman (see news for Sept. 29).

Then, on Tuesday, promising rookie safety Siddeeq Shabazz was waived, again to make room for a linebacker. This time it was the re-signing of Tim Johnson, a bona fide star on special teams and the only backup who could play the middle now that Travian Smith is needed to start in Romo's stead on the strong side.