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News Archive
1995
There's a provocative—and in my opinion, largely accurate—analysis of the Raiders' organizational chaos in today's San Jose Mercury News. Click here to read the column.
An Associated Press story this morning suggests that the New York Giants are interested in hiring assistant coach Joe Bugel to replace head coach Dan Reeves if Reeves and general manager George Young can't work out their differences over authority in making personnel decisions.
There hasn't been one word on the Web about the press conference which coach Mike White was to have held Thursday. Was it canceled? And if so, what conclusions, if any, can be drawn? Stay tuned . . .
The Raiders re-signed backup DE Aundray Bruce yesterday. Contract terms were not disclosed.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
Coach Mike White is scheduled to hold a press conference today.
Raider fan David Bradford reports that ESPNet SportsZone's Pro Football Weekly Whispers section has published a rumor that the Raiders are interested in unrestricted free agent Jets QB Boomer Esiason.
According to the Associated Press, in a CBS conference call held yesterday, Esiason said that he wants to play for a contender and will "pick a team that will protect me a little better."
In the wake of Sunday's disastrous season finale, more evidence emerged yesterday of deep rifts within the players on the team. In the strongest condemnation yet by a team member, G Steve Gogan said, "I think we're talking about cancer. We're talking about guys who just don't care. It's real frustrating because you know them and you see them. It's time we got rid of those people."
CB Albert Lewis offered this appraisal: "[Sweeping personnel changes] would be good news to me. It has to change. How can some things not change?"
"We need to get people in here not necessarily according to talent, but according to character and willingness to be coached," Lewis said. "We can't afford to just patch things up. We're either going to fix it or we're not."
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner
The Associated Press announced its All-Pro Team today. Named to the starting team was DT Chester McGlockton. G Steve Wisniewski, DE Pat Swilling, and CB Terry McDaniel were second-team selections.
Raider fan Keith Sarson reports that Fox just announced that Al Davis is thinking of changing head coaches if the Raiders don't win today over Denver. The speculation is that if they don't get it done today, assistant coach Joe Bugel would step up to the head coaching job next year.
According to today's San Francisco Examiner, Denver rookie star RB Terrell Davis tore his right hamstring and may be lost for the rest of the year. Davis is eighth in the NFL in rushing with 1117 yards.
NFL injury report as of yesterday: OAKLAND: out: QB Jeff Hostetler (shoulder - injured reserve); questionable: CB Najee Mustafaa (ankle); probable: T Robert Jenkins (knee), CB Albert Lewis (foot).
DENVER: out: DE Willie Oshodin (knee - injured reserve); doubtful: CB Lionel Washington (head/neck); questionable: RB Terrell Davis (knee), G Mark Schlereth (knee), TE Shannon Sharpe (eye); probable: CB Ray Crockett (knee).
Source: ESPN
Greg Skrepenak will start at right tackle Sunday against Denver, with Robert Jenkins backing him up. The Raiders plan to rotate Skrepenak, Jenkins and Gerald Perry at the two tackle positions.
Asked about the poor tackling in last week's game (and in particular, on Chris Warren's first TD run), defensive coordinator John Fox said, "There was a couple of things that happened early. There were missed tackles, no question about it. But we had a couple of blown assignments inside on the first touchdown on a stunt we had going. That made it so soft, it was hard to even get in there and stop the guy."
Source: San Francisco Examiner
Responding to questions yesterday about his decision to play both Billy Joe Hobert and Vince Evans this Sunday, Coach Mike White said, "Normally we prepare one quarterback (for a game) and give him most of the work. In this particular case, we're going to prepare both quarterbacks. They both know it. The offensive team knows it. We're just going to let the course of the game dictate their usage. We're not going to leave a stone unturned."
So why announce it? "I'll let them form their own conclusions," White said enigmatically.
In 1992, the New York Giants alternated Dave Brown and Kent Graham for every play during a game.
"No, [the Raiders wouldn't do that]," White said, "but you're getting interested like Denver will be. Now that's for you to find out."
"They (Pittsburgh) put Kordell Stewart in at quarterback," White said. "We know there are things Vince does well. We know Vince comes off the bench well."
Billy Joe Hobert said, "Mike White told me this morning, 'Be yourself,' and that's all I'm going to be," Hobert said. "I'm not going to put up a front for anybody. I'm going to be a
n asshole as many times as I was an asshole in college. Maybe I'm going back to my glory days a little bit.""The fact is, I'm going to play my game. And if that is not good enough, then maybe it's time to move on."
Hobert said he expects to have a big game against the Broncos. "I will do everything it takes so that this team does not falter," he said. "I'm saying, 'Hey, I'm going to play.' It's time to back it up."
Source: San Francisco Examiner
In a development which was hardly a surprise, Jeff Hostetler underwent arthroscopic surgery today on his injured left shoulder and will miss the remainder of the season.
Hostetler was placed on injured reserve and replaced on the roster by Jeff Graham, who will be the No. 3 quarterback Sunday against Denver. Graham, from San Diego State, was in the Raiders' preseason camp.
Coach Mike White said Billy Joe Hobert will start and 40-year-old backup Vince Evans also will play. "In this case, we're going to prepare both quarterbacks," White said. "This maybe puts an exclamation point on the importance of the game. They're both going to play."
The surgery on Hostetler, who is in the final year of a three-year contract, was performed by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum.
Hobert sounded upbeat about getting the start. "I'm just going to do my game, play with as much heart and emotion as I can," he said. "I've never thrown four interceptions in a game. I had to learn to deal with that."
Source: Associated Press
Coach Mike White finally sounded off yesterday on the team's recent collapse. The five-game losing streak has convinced White that personnel changes are inevitable if the team is to develop a winning attitude. He made it quite clear to the players that their performance this Sunday against Denver may determine whether they remain on the team.
"Sometimes you have to change personnel to change an attitude," White said yesterday. "As we finish this season, I would assume there are some career implications there. Some people don't realize it until it's too late, especially as a player, that this is a profession and you're expected to play like a professional. That's the reason you're getting paid.
"When the season's over, (owner Al Davis) and I will sit down and evaluate those contributors and those players that are playing up to the money they're making. Just like any business, you get what you pay for. And I think people should look in the mirror.
"As a professional, you can play to a minimum standard of performance, or you can give a Tim Brown-standard of performance," he said. "And, unfortunately, I'm seeing the (first) thing. This (final) game is a key game, and the focus better be there because I don't like what I'm seeing.
"The obvious thing is, after this we'll all be a year smarter," said White. "We all did some very, very significant things to get this off on the right foot. But we inherited some attitude problems that maybe need to change, or personnel problems that need to be changed."
White indicated that Billy Joe Hobert will probably will start at quarterback against Denver. Jeff Hostetler is scheduled to be examined again today by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Lewis Yocum. "My sense is he (Hostetler) probably won't play," White said.
Asked whether Hostetler's injury is more serious than initially reported, perhaps one that will require surgery in the off-season, White responded, "There's obviously some concerns there."
In addition to Hostetler, RB Harvey Williams (neck) suffered a neck injury and CB Najee Mustafaa hurt his ankle. Both were given MRI exams yesterday, and their condition will be updated Wednesday.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News
No injuries were reported following yesterday's game. Jeff Hostetler was removed in the third quarter after landing on his left shoulder following a sack by Seattle's Michael Sinclair. "Hoss didn't hurt it any worse," coach Mike White said. "We intended to take him out at that time, anyway. Hopefully, he'll be able to play next week."
Oddly, after a good deal of public discussion by the coaching staff last week of the plan to rotate offensive tackles against Seattle, the Raiders deactivated T Greg Skrepenak for yesterday's game. Backups Rich Stephens and Russell Freeman both saw action while Skrepenak remained at the team's hotel.
The Raiders claim Skrepenak was inactive because of the flu and his cracked rib.
There had been speculation that Skrepenak lost his starting job after he wondered aloud why the Raiders called so few running plays to his side of the line the week before against Pittsburgh. Skrepenak downplayed that possibility last week and did so again yesterday, but he pointed out something else—that his contract expires at the end of this season.
RB Harvey Williams broke the 1,000-yard barrier yesterday. He now has 1,027 for the season. He becomes the first Raider since Marcus Allen in 1985 to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
An interview of Jeff Hostetler was conducted by ESPN's Joe Theismann before today's game. Click here to read the article.
DE Pat Swilling, G Kevin Gogan and RB Harvey Williams were named as alternates to the AFC Pro Bowl team.
DT Jerry Ball missed practice yesterday because of his strained calf. Ball is questionable for Sunday night's game. If he cannot start, Austin Robbins will replace him. Oddly, the Raiders have said nothing about the results of the MRI which Ball underwent on Monday.
The Raiders promoted LB Keith Franklin from the practice squad to replace James Folston, who is on injured reserve.
T Greg Skrepenak was diplomatic about his reaction to losing his starting job to Robert Jenkins. "I can't say I'm happy with what they're doing," Skrepenak said. "But this is what they've decided, and I have to live with it. It's no problem."
Coach Mike White said the Raiders will rotate Skrepenak and Jenkins, probably by offensive possessions. Skrepenak is nursing bruised ribs and Jenkins has a lingering knee injury. Jenkins practiced with the first team yesterday at right tackle. The Raiders upgraded him from questionable to probable for Sunday night's game.
"Even if you're hurt, you never want to come out," Skrepenak said. "We now have three very good tackles. It's unfortunate one of us has to sit. This will allow both of us to play and maybe heal."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
The Raiders will probably move Robert Jenkins to right tackle for Sunday's game now that Gerald Perry has been cleared to play. Perry was the starting LT until he was injured in the season opener. In this scenario T Greg Skrepenak would lose his starting role.
"By my way of thinking, if Perry and Jenkins are ready to go, then we ought to have them both on the field at the same time," assistant coach Joe Bugel said. "I think somebody would call me a lunatic if Jenkins is ready to play and he's standing next to me on the sideline."
White said the change was not because of Skrepenak's statement after the last game that the Raiders should have run behind him, but had more to do with Jenkins. "We feel Robert has done a credible job at left tackle, when he's been healthy. To me, he's done an unbelievable job. We think this will upgrade the offensive line."
Perry's arm is still not fully healed. Asked if he is ready to return, Perry said, "I don't think I have a choice. We hate to feel pressed, but there's no other way to feel. We're pressed."
Perry is not in game condition after a three-month layoff and will doubtless need frequent breathers Sunday.
It turns out that Jeff Hostetler skipped his scheduled appointment Monday with orthopedist Lewis Yocum. While that might be taken as merely a sign of the Raiders' need to have him back in the lineup, it will almost certainly fuel the continuing rumors that Hoss has a tear in his left rotator cuff.
Pro Bowl selections will be announced today. Raiders candidates include CB Terry McDaniel, WR Tim Brown, G Steve Wisniewski, DE Pat Swilling and DT Chester McGlockton.
Speaking of Swilling, he needs only 1/2 sack to become the 12th man in NFL history to record 100 for a career.
According to Mike White, QB Billy Joe Hobert has now officially moved up to #2 quarterback on the depth chart.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
"I think he's ready," said Coach Mike White about QB Jeff Hostetler's chances of playing Sunday against Seattle. Hoss was to have seen orthopedic surgeon Lewis Yocum again Monday afternoon.
"He should be cleared to practice Wednesday. If that happens, he becomes the starting quarterback again."
"Sometimes the backup guy gets it done," said White. "There are a lot of stories about that. But to my disappointment, it didn't happen. Jeff is going to help the equation, if he plays."
Asked about continuing rumors that Hostetler's throwing arm hasn't been sound for two years and that he can't throw deep, White offered this less than ringing endorsement: "I saw him throw a couple of deep ones last week, and I'm reasonably satisfied."
T Gerald Perry, out since the opening game with a broken arm, has been cleared to practice and play. "We thought he'd be in the Pittsburgh game," said White, "but Friday the doctor would not clear him, ruled him out at the last moment." Perry has a plate in his arm.
DT Jerry Ball had an MRI on his lower leg. The results have not yet been announced.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Mike White seems finally to have noticed the Raiders have no running game. Yesterday he blamed the coaching staff—himself included—for prematurely abandoning the running game against Pittsburgh. The Raiders have gained only 36 yards rushing (on 26 carries) in their last two games. By contrast, the Raiders have relinquished 331 yards on the ground.
"We're not sticking with the plan," White said. "It's my responsibility, because we have to run. As a coaching staff, we can't let ourselves be affected by early results and get away from the game plan.
"No matter how the running game goes early, we've got to stick with it. We should have learned our lesson (from the Kansas City game). As the game goes along, an efficient running game will gain yards. But you've got to do it 20, 30, 40 times."
White said the coaches script the first 15 plays before the game. Six of Sunday's first 15 plays were runs, five by Harvey Williams and one by Derrick Fenner. Those six runs yielded exactly four yards.
Injury update: Reserve LB James Folston had surgery on his broken left arm. The Raiders probably will put him on injured reserve, ending his season.
Jeff Hostetler was to be re-examined by Dr. Lewis Yocum late yesterday. Both Hoss and Mike White have said they expect him to be able to start against Seattle.
DT Jerry Ball had an MRI exam on his injured left calf. Mike White said doctors have finally cleared T Gerald Perry to practice this week and play against Seattle.
John Friesz, Seattle's backup quarterback, will start in place of the injured Rick Mirer Sunday night in the Kingdome.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Injury report: Reserve LB James Folston, a regular on special teams, broke his left arm in the second quarter. Folston did not know how long he would be out.
Other injuries: DT Jerry Ball (calf), WR Daryl Hobbs (hip), and FS Eddie Anderson (neck). None of the injuries is considered serious.
Before the game the Raiders officially put SS Derrick Hoskins on injured reserve, making him ineligible to play again this season even if the Raiders make the playoffs.
TE Marcus Hinton was promoted from the practice squad to fill the roster spot.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News
RB Napoleon Kaufman was unhappy that he didn't get a single carry or pass reception in yesterday's game. The team said Kaufman didn't play because his turf toe would have prevented him making cuts, but the rookie was healthy enough to return seven kickoffs for 151 yards (including a 50-yarder).
Asked why he wasn't more involved, Kaufman said, "I don't know. You've got to ask the coaches that. I'm just like anyone else, I want to play. I'm the second-string tailback. They tell me to go in, I go in."
Gerald Perry, expected to back up Rich Stephens at left tackle, was not cleared to play. Perry has missed the entire season since breaking his forearm in the opener.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
There's a good article on Mercury Center this morning on the legendary Raiders-Steelers rivalry of the 1970's, which the author characterizes as "the greatest rivalry of its time, possibly the greatest ever." Click here to go to Recent Articles.
The Raiders announced yesterday that Vince Evans will back up Billy Joe Hobert as the number 2 quarterback this weekend.
Jeff Hostetler had finally returned to practice this week and it was hoped he might be available as the number 2. He directed the scout team Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, Coach Mike White had been cautiously optimistic that Hostetler could be the backup. Yesterday, however, he decided against that.
Hostetler will dress for the game, but as number 3 on the depth chart he will be available only if both Hobert and Evans are injured.
Short-handed at the tackles
Speaking of Hobert, T Greg Skrepenak said, "Billy takes charge in the huddle for a guy as young as he is. He doesn't pull any punches with you."
Hobert is known for his ability to scramble and improvise. He may have a chance to prove it against the Steelers, who have the NFL's top-ranked defense, because the Raiders are hurting at both offensive tackle positions.
Third-stringer Rich Stephens will start at left tackle. He must face Ray Seals, the Steelers' sack leader with 7.5. In Stephens' favor, however, he has a nasty disposition a la Wiz.
Gerald Perry, who has been out since breaking his right forearm in the season opener, practiced all week but is in condition to play only about half the game. Robert Jenkins, who filled in for Perry, has had trouble playing an entire game also, because of a sore knee. He is doubtful for this game, and Coach Mike White said the knee could benefit from a week off.
On the right side, Skrepenak has a cracked rib that he suffered two weeks ago in San Diego. He will have it tightly wrapped, but the wrap caused him shortness of breath last week, particularly when the Raiders went to the no-huddle. Skrepenak, or his replacement, Russell Freeman, will have to contend with DE Brentson Buckner and LB Kevin Greene.
The Tin Men are one of the few teams that still use the 3-4 alignment as their base defense. That changes some of the blocking assignments for the Raiders' offensive line, particularly for C Dan Turk. "I'm going to have a guy on my nose all game," Turk said.
Usually, against a 4-3 defense, the center's primary job is to help the guards. Against the 3-4, it's one-on-one between him and the nose guard.
Finally, fans attending the game should be aware that the Coliseum parking lot will open at 10:00 a.m. rather than 9:00 a.m. Fans are being encouraged to take BART to the game if possible.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
This morning's articles contain lots speculation that Jeff Hostetler has a partially torn rotator cuff. Once again yesterday, both Hostetler and the Raiders evaded answering direct questions about his condition, insisting they know nothing.
Click here to go to Recent Articles.
As expected, SS Derrick Hoskins underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday on his knee. Estimated recovery time is three weeks.
Yesterday it was reported that Joe King would replace Hoskins at strong safety. Today the Raiders said Dan Land would start, with King also expected to get significant playing time.
This makes more sense. King's strength is coverage; he is not a big hitter. Land is a better tackler but lacks King's coverage skills. The strong safety typically has responsibility for covering the opponent's tight end.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
At yesterday's press conference, Coach Mike White also said the Raiders recently gave tryouts to three quarterbacks: Brad Goebel, Jeff Brohm and Jeff Graham. Goebel once played for Cleveland; Brohm signed with the 49ers yesterday; Graham, from San Diego State, was with the Raiders during training camp.
The Raiders also may have contacted their own former quarterback, Jay Schroeder. Still, White said the team will stick with Hostetler, Hobert and Vince Evans.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
T Robert Jenkins, bothered by sore knees for months, has been downgraded to doubtful for Sunday, according to the official NFL injury report released this afternoon. The Raiders hope that Gerald Perry, who started the season at left tackle but was injured in the season opener and has had a slow recovery, will finally be able to play this week. If not, Jenkins' replacement would be Rich Stephens.
On passing plays the left tackle has the primary responsibility for protecting the back, or blind, side of a right-handed quarterback.
The full report: for the RAIDERS: out: S Derrick Hoskins (knee); doubtful: QB Jeff Hostetler (shoulder) and Jenkins; questionable: Perry (arm); probable: RB Napoleon Kaufman (toe), T Greg Skrepenak (knee), DE Aaron Wallace (hand).
For PITTSBURGH: LB Chad Brown (ankle), CB Rod Woodson (knee) are out; FB Steve Avery (groin), WR Charles Johnson (knee), LB Greg Lloyd (heel), RB Bam Morris (foot), S Darren Perry (Achilles), RB John L. Williams (knee) are questionable; WR Andre Hasting (neck), CB Carnell Lake (knee), G Tom Newberry (shoulder), G Brenden Stai (back) are probable.
Rumors continue to circulate that Jeff Hostetler has a torn rotator cuff and will need surgery. The Raiders have repeatedly denied having any such information.
Raider fan Nino Storniolo claims to have heard ESPN reporting that Hostetler has a slight tear of his left rotator cuff, under a muscle. According to Storniolo, ESPN went on to say there is an outside chance that Hoss could play this week against the Steelers; if not, he would definitely be expected to play against Seattle. The report added that if he has surgery after the season, he will be able to start throwing again in late February or early March.
ESPNet SportsZone has not reported any such development online.
The Raiders have been talking to Leigh Steinberg, agent for T David Williams. Williams, formerly Houston's franchise player, was released by that team several weeks ago in order to alleviate a salary cap squeeze. Williams became something of a celebrity last year when he was fined for skipping a game to be with his wife during the birth of their child.
According to Steinberg, it appears unlikely that Williams would join the team this season. "If we can find a team in the short term that's also good for the long term, we'd be tempted to sign this year," Steinberg said. "Otherwise, no. I don't think the Raiders are likely, given their time frame."
"If we end up sitting out the season, the Raiders are on top of our list."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Strong safety Derrick Hoskins sustained a cartilage tear and a moderate sprain of the medial collateral ligament in his right knee Sunday and will be lost to the team for three weeks. "He'll very probably have it scoped," said Coach Mike White. Joe King will replace Hoskins in the starting lineup.
T Robert Jenkins will have an MRI exam on his right knee today. RB Napoleon Kaufman has a minor case of turf toe but was able to run Monday.
Jeff Hostetler will be examined today by Dr. Lewis Yocum, a pre-eminent shoulder specialist who put him through a battery of stress tests last Friday.
"I guess the doctor almost sat on him or even stood on him," said White. "The doctor put his shoulder into positions that convinced him. . . . He proved to Jeff that he, in fact, is not ready."
Asked whether Hostetler's injury might be more serious, such as a torn rotator cuff, White replied, "Don't get me in that one. I don't have any idea."
Source: San Jose Mercury News
Coach Mike White said he will decide on his quarterback for Sunday's game by the time practice starts Wednesday.
"The quarterback position with or without Hostetler and how it fits with this program with three games to go is a key decision," White said. "If Jeff were full speed and ready to go Wednesday, could he be ready after two weeks off?"
"Should we make a change, which is a popular theory, right now? With my coaches, we're going to try and make the best decision. I think the quarterback decision is a key decision. There has to be a spark somewhere. If Jeff is ready, that would be a spark.
"The difficult part of the equation is Jeff."
Speaking of Billy Joe Hobert, White added, "I was very impressed with him. I've always liked his temperament. I liked some of the things with him and I'm going to take all of that into consideration."
Source: Associated Press
Raiders injured in the loss to Kansas City: WR Rocket Ismail (bruised ribs), RB Napoleon Kaufman (turf toe), and SS Derrick Hoskins (strained right knee). Of the three, Hoskins' injury is thought to be the most serious.
Mike White said that the reason Jeff Hostetler did not dress for the game yesterday was that he continues to have pain in his left shoulder. Asked whether QB Billy Joe Hobert would start ahead of Vince Evans if Hostetler is unable to go this Sunday against Pittsburgh, White said he was not prepared to decide that yet.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News
Jeff Hostetler did not practice yesterday. He will dress for tomorrow's game but will be listed as the number 3 quarterback, making him unavailable except in an emergency.
Coach Mike White said unless Vince Evans is injured, it is unlikely he will make a quarterback substitution during the game even if the Raiders' offense is struggling.
"Vince has to have security, too," White said. "I'm not much for giving a guy the hook, especially when you're playing a backup to begin with."
The Raiders have not yet decided whether to start Nolan Harrison (hamstring) or Jerry Ball (shoulder) at DT. Both are listed as probable.
While Harvey Williams can reach 1,000 yards rushing this season with 73 yards against his former team, Kansas City running back Marcus Allen is in position to record a milestone against the Raiders. Allen, a Raider from 1982-92, needs just 29 receiving yards to become the first player in NFL history to rush for 10,000 yards and catch passes for 5,000 yards.
He has 10,599 rushing yards and 4,971 receiving yards. Allen needs 638 rushing yards to pass O.J. Simpson for eighth place on the all-time list.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News
The Raiders made it official yesterday: QB Vince Evans will start at quarterback for the Raiders on Sunday against AFC West-leading Kansas City.
Coach Mike White made the QB decision a day earlier than expected. He cited as the primary factor in his decision, the fact that in a strength test administered yesterday, Jeff Hostetler was unable to bench press 180 pounds.
"He has to build enough strength in those tendons and muscles to give him some protection from a hit," White said Thursday. "The things that support your shoulder, he has lost enough in there to where there was one hit and he was in excruciating pain."
"This is a tough process for me, because I'm genuinely trying to take into consideration Jeff and his tremendous desire to play and, at the same time, balance the issue of his season. Another hit and we could lose him for the rest of the year."
White said that Hostetler will suit up for the game, but if he doesn't practice today, Hoss probably will be the No. 3 quarterback, behind Evans and Billy Joe Hobert.
Click here to read the entire article.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
The Oakland Raiders' marketing group has shuffled its top management once again, hiring a former Oakland A's executive who promises to do what nobody else has been able do consistently or smoothly—sell tickets.
Ray Krise, who developed a successful ticket operation in his 14 years with the A's, was named chief operating officer of the Oakland Football Marketing Association yesterday during a news conference at the Oakland Coliseum.
He is the third "ticket guru" to join the Raiders since the team moved back to Oakland after 13 years in Los Angeles. So far, nobody has been able to end the confusion, ticket delivery problems, phone glitches and faulty decision-making that has turned the marketing operation into a public relations disaster.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
QB Jeff Hostetler missed practice again yesterday and is officially listed as doubtful for Sunday's game against the Squaws. Of course, Hoss, being Hoss, hopes to play. . .
Coach Mike White wants to decide on his starter by tomorrow (Friday) morning, so Hostetler must make quick and dramatic improvement. Otherwise, backup Vince Evans will start again.
"I'm really trying to maintain a sense of what's best for Jeff," White said. "He suffered so much pain when he got hit in the Dallas game. If that happens again, you're liable not to see him the rest of the year."
White also said that both T Greg Skrepenak and DT Jerry Ball should play Sunday.
The team's recent play-calling came under scrutiny at yesterday's press conference. White commented, "We went to a conservative, ball-control offense when we went back east, and we haven't got out of it. We have to get more big-play potential from Vince, and we intend to do that. We thought San Diego expected Vince to go for some long ones. We thought we could run the ball and have him throw high-percentage passes."
C Dan Turk offered another theory. "Defenses have had some games to look at us," Turk said. "We were fooling teams with formations early in the year. Let's face it: at this level, defensive coordinators are going to figure it out."
Also discussed at the press conference was the Raiders' recent pass blocking. The Chargers frequently sent seven pass rushers toward Evans. The Chiefs also own a fierce pass rush. Asked about this, White said, "That was the most disappointed I've been in the offensive line. We blew a couple of blocking assignments down there inside the 15-yard line. A few other times, pass protection broke down with mental errors in the line. This line has not made a lot of mistakes this season."
San Diego WR Tony Martin sounded off yesterday about Raider CB James Trapp, who accidentally scratched Martin's cornea in last Monday's game. "He's a dirty player," Martin said of Trapp. "I don't appreciate it, even if it was an accident. I don't like him. . . . He tries to intimidate you, because he can't play. I've never had any respect for him.
"I would have done anything to get back at him, but I couldn't. It (ticked) me off."
Replied Trapp: "That's all personal, between him and himself. If he thinks I'm trying to intimidate him, then he's already intimidated. If he thinks I'm a dirty player, that's his problem.
"It doesn't bother me. I'm a player. I don't want (opposing) players to respect me on the field, because I don't respect them."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Left tackle Rich Stephens worked in place of Robert Jenkins with the first unit early in Wednesday's practice. Jenkins, who has been bothered by a sore knee for weeks, was repeatedly beaten in Monday night's game by San Diego DE Leslie O'Neal.
Source: San Jose Mercury News
The Raiders announced yesterday that T Greg Skrepenak suffered a cracked rib in the San Diego game but is expected to play Sunday. Russell Freeman replaced Skrep for much of the second half.
Asked after the game about the game plan employed against the Chumpsters, Mike White is reported to have said, "San Diego played a little different coverage, a double zone. We just didn't convert. It left the middle open, but we didn't take advantage of it."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Coach Mike White announced Saturday that DT Jerry Ball's status for tonight's game has been downgraded from probable to questionable and he is now listed as day-to-day. Ball will test his injured left shoulder during pregame warmups, then decide if he can play or not. Ball had to leave the Dallas game prematurely and has been taking anti-inflammatories this week in an effort to reduce swelling.
If Ball can't play, Austin Robbins would probably replace him.
The decision on whether Jeff Hostetler will suit up or not also has been delayed until before game time. Even if the quarterback dresses, he is not expected to play.
Source: San Francisco Examiner
Official NFL injury report as of Friday:
OAKLAND: Out: T Gerald Perry (arm); Doubtful: QB Jeff Hostetler (shoulder), LB Mike Morton (ankle); Questionable: DE Aaron Wallace (hand); Probable: FS Eddie Anderson (hamstring), DT Jerry Ball (shoulder), DE Nolan Harrison (back).
SAN DIEGO: Out: CB Darrien Gordon (shoulder), S Rodney Harrison (knee); Questionable: WR Andre Coleman (chest), RB Natrone Means (groin).
Yesterday Means said flatly he will not play.
The Raiders announced yesterday that QB Vince Evans will start Monday's game in place of Jeff Hostetler. Coach Mike White essentially ordered Hostetler to rest his injured left shoulder. In fact, Hoss may be designated as the number 3 (inactive) quarterback for the game, or may not even dress at all. If he doesn't dress P Jeff Gossett becomes the emergency quarterback.
In marked contrast to last week, when Hostetler talked his way into practicing and starting, this time the coaching staff did not leave the decision up to Hoss. White said, "We just feel it needs another week to quiet down. I'm convinced we're doing the right thing for him. . . . The intelligent thing is he does not play in this game."
White added, "I think I know him well enough to know he sometimes loses perspective on the big picture, because of his toughness and his desire to play."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
Mike White says he'll make a decision Friday as to whether Vince Evans or Jeff Hostetler will start Monday night's game.
Source: Associated Press
QB Jeff Hostetler did not practice yesterday and will skip this morning's brief workout. The Raiders officially listed him as doubtful for Monday's game against San Diego.
Hostetler refused to talk to the media yesterday but has let it be known he feels he will start. Coach Mike White had this to say: "Hopefully, there will be more games besides these five. If one or two weeks of rest will help Jeff . . . I'm trying to help him. Maybe he's trying to please everybody else, at his own destruction.
"We have to put him through a significant number of strength tests. We need to force that joint to go through tests, so we can determine how much strength he's lost."
DT Jerry Ball missed practice yesterday because of his sore shoulder. The Raiders listed Ball as probable for Monday night's game, though Mike White said Ball is closer to questionable. If he cannot start, Austin Robbins probably will replace him.
San Diego RB Natrone Means, who has missed the last two games with a groin pull, jogged lightly yesterday. Means is listed as questionable for the game.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle
It was reported late yesterday evening that the MRI exam on Jeff Hostetler indicated he will not need surgery on his injured left shoulder. His status is considered day-to-day and it is possible he could play Monday night against San Diego.
Sources: NandO Sports Server, ESPNet SportsZone
The Raiders will provide details of the extent of QB Jeff Hostetler's injury at a press conference on Wednesday, the team said yesterday. Hostetler underwent yet another MRI on his left shoulder after being slammed hard to the ground by Dallas DT Chad Hennings in Sunday's game. Ironically, it was also Hennings who accidentally caused the eye injury to Don Mosebar in preseason.
Click here to read the article on the NandO Sports Server
.Sources: NandO Sports Server, ESPNet SportsZone
Coach Mike White acknowledged that he erred by not checking the field at the Oakland Coliseum before the game. The field was soggy and the Oakland defensive backs in particular were slipping and sliding all day, while the Dallas players wore longer cleats to help them with the footing.
"It's one of those hazards of being a traveling circus and on the road all the time and I take responsibility for that," White said, referring to the fact that the Raiders train at El Segundo, then travel to Oakland for home games.
Source: NandO Sports Server
Injury report: In addition to the injury to QB Jeff Hostetler yesterday (see Recent Articles), DT Jerry Ball injured his shoulder and FS Eddie Anderson re-aggravated his hamstring pull.
Ball was in obvious pain afterward; he needed help putting his suit jacket on. Anderson said he expects to join his teammates on the practice field Wednesday.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
Dallas DE Charles Haley (10-1/2 sacks) needs 3-1/2 more to become the ninth player in NFL history to reach 100. The Raiders' Pat Swilling, with 9 this season, is right behind him, needing 4-1/2 to reach 100.
Haley will be the responsibility of Raider left tackle Robert Jenkins. This will be a key matchup to watch when the Raiders have the ball. Jenkins has filled in admirably this season after starter Gerald Perry broke a forearm in the season opener.
Source: San Jose Mercury News.
Lots of news today . . .
The Associated Press reported late yesterday evening that Raiders QB Jeff Hostetler has been moved from questionable to probable for Sunday's game with the Dallas Cowboys.
Two other players were upgraded Thursday from questionable to probable: FS Eddie Anderson (pulled hamstring) and LB Aaron Wallace (broken hand). TE Andrew Glover (bruised toe) and T Robert Jenkins (sprained knee) were removed entirely from the injury report.
DE Nolan Harrison worked out yesterday for the first time since undergoing back surgery following the season opener in San Diego. Harrison says he expects to be back by the Nov. 27 rematch with the Chumpsters. He has said he feels he was injured on a cheap shot.
Dallas will start a rookie, Alundis Brice from Mississippi, at one corner Sunday. Starting CB Larry Brown will miss the game following the death of his 10-week-old son, Christopher, from complications following his premature birth.
The Cowpies will be without their top three cornerbacks at the start of the season (before Deion Sanders arrived)—Brown, Kevin Smith and Clayton Holmes. Smith is out for the season with an Achilles tendon injury and Holmes is serving an NFL-imposed drug suspension after testing positive for cocaine use.
Look for the Raiders to go after the rookie the way they did the Jet's rookie CB Vance Joseph.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
Cowpies owner Jerry Jones stated yesterday on a local television show in the Dallas area that Deion Sanders will cover Tim Brown. Jones is apparently doing the thinking now for coach Barry Switzer. Brown agreed: "I don't think they'll take a chance. After what happened with Jerry Rice, I think Deion will be in the slot at times."
Switzer refused to make any such assurances, but he acknowledged Dallas is adjusting its pass coverage in the wake of last week's embarrassing loss to San Francisco. "Deion has to play all of our coverages. He'll play man-to-man most of the time on someone, whether it's the slot receiver or the outside receiver."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
Cowpies Coach Barry Switzer, saying the coaching staff is "paranoid," changed the time when reporters can view afternoon practices from the last 15 minutes to the first 15 minutes. The Pies do conditioning drills during the first part of practice in Irving, Texas. They work on specific plays during the last part of practice. Switzer says the change is permanent.
Source: San Jose Mercury News.
There's been lots of discussion this week about the Raiders offensive line and their cut-block techniques. C Dan Turk is appealing his fine and most of the linemen are quick to defend him, pointing out that the block for which he was penalized against Cincinnati was clearly within current NFL rules. DT Chester McGlockton, on the other hand, has said several times that he hates cut-blocking and would like to see it abolished, although he is quick to point out that his beef is with the league and not his teammates on the offensive line.
G Steve Gogan, 6-7 and 320 pounds, offered a refreshingly different perspective. "I'm not a big guy for cutting people, anyway," Gogan said. "It's too hard for me to get up off the ground."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
Yesterday's MRI exam on Jeff Hostetler revealed only a deep bruise in his left shoulder. Although the Raiders had planned to hold him out of practice, Hoss talked them into letting him participate. He expects to start Sunday against Dallas.
FS Eddie Anderson returned to practice and described himself afterwards as "about 75%."
Hoss's counterpart, Dallas QB Troy Aikman, also practiced yesterday and is likely to start for the Cowpies.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News.
Here's the full NFL injury report as of yesterday (Wednesday): for Oakland, out: DE Nolan Harrison (back), LB Mike Morton (ankle), T Gerald Perry (arm); questionable: FS Eddie Anderson (hamstring), QB Jeff Hostetler (hand/shoulder); probable: TE Andrew Glover (toe), T Robert Jenkins (knee); for Dallas, questionable: QB Troy Aikman (knee), CB Larry Brown (shoulder), DE Charles Haley (back), DT Chad Hennings (knee), QB Wade Wilson (hand/thumb); probable: S Scott Case (hamstring), C Ray Donaldson (quadricep), LB Dixon Edwards (pectoral), P John Jett (back), RB Daryl Johnston (groin), LB Robert Jones (ankle), S Brock Marion (thumb), DT Russell Maryland (knee), G Nate Newton (knee), CB Deion Sanders (hamstring), LB Jim Schwantz (hamstring), DE Tony Tolbert (knee), T Mark Tuinei (foot), T Erik Williams (knee), S Darren Woodson (shoulder).
Source: NFL Home Page.
Today's San Francisco Chronicle has an interesting piece on the Raider cornerbacks—the NFL's best tandem. Did you know that Albert Lewis went on a bulking-up regimen over the offseason?
QB Jeff Hostetler has apparently suffered yet another injury. Still recovering from a cracked metacarpal bone in his left hand, Hoss underwent an MRI yesterday on his left (non-throwing) shoulder, which has been sore since Sunday. The team did not immediately reveal the reason for the exam or the results. Hoss himself says he thinks he'll be able to start. Although declining to discuss the MRI, coach Mike White did say the quarterback's left hand is healing faster than expected.
Dallas QB Troy Aikman probably will start. He suffered a bruised tendon in his left knee last weekend. His backup, Wade Wilson, is in worse shape with a sprained right thumb and two deep cuts on his other hand. As of yesterday Wilson couldn't take a snap or hand off.
Warning to fans bound for the House of Thrills this weekend: construction may cause traffic jams and/or delays.
At least one NFL coach likes Oakland's chances against Dallas this weekend. Giants coach Dan Reeves (a former Cowpie himself), speaking before last weekend's games, said everything revolves around stopping Emmitt Smith. "Oakland matches up well with Dallas. The Raiders are playing the run adequately enough (on defense). That's the key against Dallas. You've got to stop the run."
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, NandO Sports Server.
Dallas coach Barry Switzer, stung by criticism of his inept game plan against San Francisco last Sunday, said CB Deion Sanders will be used in more different ways against Oakland this week. According to both the AP and ESPN, Switzer now says that Sanders may appear on both the offensive and special teams as well as playing defense.
In Sunday's blowout loss to the Whiners, Switzer's defensive scheme had only a linebacker singlehandedly trying to cover WR Jerry Rice for most of the game. Switzer claims to have spent nine hours since then studying game film to determine how to use Sanders more effectively.
Other tidbits from ESPNet Sports Zone: As of Nov. 8 the Raiders are the oddsmakers' favorite to win the AFC at 2-1. Miami is listed at 3-1 and Kansas City at 4-1. . . . In this week's NFL Top Five, Tom Jackson--a former Donkey LB and lifelong Raider-hater--ranks K.C. as the NFL's top team, followed by Oakland, S.F., and Dallas.
FS Eddie Anderson is expected to resume practice tomorrow and be able to play Sunday. DE Nolan Harrison will also return to practice, although it's doubtful he'll be ready for game action this week.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
Dallas QB Troy Aikman underwent an MRI today. ESPNet SportsZone reported this evening that he has a bruised left knee with some swelling but is expected to play Sunday against the Raiders.
C Dan Turk said he will appeal the $7,500 fine levied against him by the NFL for an illegal chop block in last Sunday's game against Cincinnati. Turk insists his block was within the rules. "We looked at it on film, and everything we did was legal," he said.
Injury report: The Raiders suffered several minor injuries yesterday. FB Derrick Fenner hurt his knee in pregame warm-ups; T Robert Jenkins aggravated his knee injury and missed much of the game; CB James Trapp reinjured his knee, and LB Rob Fredrickson aggravated his strained hamstring.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
Rookie LB Mike Morton has been downgraded from doubtful to out on the injury report. Although X-rays of his injured ankle revealed no stress fracture, the ankle was placed in a cast. Morton is suffering from tendinitis.
Changes on the practice squad: The Raiders signed LB Keith Franklin and cut DT Jon Baker. Franklin was in training with the Raiders last year and the St. Louis Rams this year. He also played for Amsterdam in the World League this spring. Coach Mike White said it was possible Franklin may be activated next week for action on special teams if Morton is still hurt.
Source: San Jose Mercury News.
Injury update: FS Eddie Anderson will probably miss Sunday's game. T Gerald Perry's forearm is not responding well and he will probably miss the Dallas game as well.
The Raiders are 6½ point favorites for Sunday's game against the Gints.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
DE Pat Swilling has been named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. Against the Bengals Sunday, Swilling had 3 sacks and forced a fumble.
Click here to read the story on the NFL Home Page.
The Raiders' sack totals are considerably improved over last year's. Click here to see the AFC sack statistics on the NFL Home Page.
Injury report: Both QB Jeff Hostetler and reserve LB Aaron Wallace broke metacarpal bones in their hands in Sunday's game against the Bungles. Hoss injured his left hand, Wallace his right. Both have been fitted with soft casts and are expected to play this weekend against New York. Coach Mike White said Vince Evans will get extra snaps in practice this week in case Hostetler's hand swells such that it interferes with his ability to handle snaps.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
The Raiders escaped Cincinnati's unforgiving turf surface without major injuries. QB Jeff Hostetler missed one play with a bruised left hand, and T Robert Jenkins was in and out of the lineup during the game, bothered by fluid on his knee. Coach Mike White also mentioned LB Rob Fredrickson (thigh bruise) and LB Aaron Wallace (hand), but said none of the injuries is considered serious.
Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Jose Mercury News.
Backup MLB Mike Morton's status has been downgraded from questionable to doubtful.
The point spread remains 6½.
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
The Raiders and Harvey Williams' agent have begun preliminary discussions about a long-term contract for the running back, who would become a free agent at season's end. Raiders executive Bruce Allen said, "Harvey wants to be a Raider, and we want Harvey to be a Raider. He likes us and we like him. He'll be a Raider the rest of his career."
Source: San Francisco Chronicle.
Injury Update: Today's San Francisco Chronicle reports that T Gerald Perry will probably miss not only Sunday's game but also the following week's game against the Giants. Perry's wrist still hurts and is not healing as quickly as hoped.
Listed as probable for Sunday: SS Derrick Hoskins and CB Albert Lewis; doubtful: FS Eddie Anderson. T Greg Skrepenak is off the injury report entirely.
Yesterday Al Davis gave his first press conference in a number of months, and he had lots to say. Click here to go to the Recent Articles section, where you'll find several accounts.
Injury Report: Today's San Francisco Chronicle reports that FS Eddie Anderson is unlikely to play Sunday against Cincinnati. He did not practice with the team yesterday. His replacement would be fourth-year player Joe King.
SS Derrick Hoskins, CB Albert Lewis and T Greg Skrepenak did practice, and CB James Trapp is expected to play Sunday even though he did not practice yesterday. LB Mike Morton is listed as questionable for Sunday's game (knee)
Finally, it looks doubtful that T Gerald Perry will be ready to play by Sunday.
The Raiders are favored by 6½.
More details about the league's decision to increase the fine on Dave Wyman for his cheap shot on Jeff Hostetler appear in today's San Francisco Chronicle.
The NFL announced yesterday that after a review of game film submitted by the Raiders, it has increased the fine on Donkey LB Dave Wyman to $12,000. The NFL also levied fines of $5,000 each on CB James Trapp and Denver WR's Anthony Miller and Mike Pritchard.
Click here to read the story on ESPNet SportsZone.
Additional source: San Francisco Chronicle.
QB Jeff Hostetler practiced with the team yesterday. Tackles Gerald Perry and Greg Skrepenak were also cleared for practice.
Source: NandO Sports Server.
QB Vince Evans has been named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in Sunday's game against the Dolts. Evans completed 23 of 35 passes for 335 yards and two touchdowns.
Click here to read the story on the NFL Home Page.
The Raiders suffered further injuries yesterday to their already depleted defensive secondary. Both starting safeties, FS Eddie Anderson and SS Derrick Hoskins, had to leave the game in the second quarter, Anderson with a hamstring pull and Hoskins with a groin injury. They were replaced by Dan Land and Joe King. CB Albert Lewis (pulled thigh muscle) played only in passing situations. Neither T Greg Skrepenak nor CB James Trapp played at all. Skrepenak was replaced by Russell Freeman.
Mike White commented, "I didn't know who the heck was in the game half the time." White did not sound optimistic about the safeties. He called Anderson's injury "reasonably severe" and said Hoskins could be out "a while."
Problems continued in the offensive line, too. T Robert Jenkins came out in the second half with cramps in his calf and was replaced by Rich Stevens.
RB Calvin Jones saw his first regular season action yesterday in the 4th quarter. He carried 4 times for 21 yards. Jones also fumbled but the loose ball was recovered by Raider Kerry Cash.
Raider fan J.C. Woodard reports that Calvin has been on the inactive list for 5 weeks because of a non-football-related ankle/foot injury. According to Woodard, who cites an anonymous source, Jones should see regular action from now on, both on special teams and in "special situations" such as third down plays.
Sources: j.c.w.@ix.netcom.com, San Francisco Chronicle.
The point spread for tomorrow's game has dropped from 8 to 4, no doubt because of the rash of injuries this week.
Updated injury report: Out: QB Jeff Hostetler, DE Nolan Harrison, T Gerald Perry; doubtful: T Greg Skrepenak, CB Albert Lewis, CB James Trapp; probable, FS Eddie Anderson.
ESPN says flatly that Lewis, Skrepenak and Trapp will not play. Najee Mustafaa will start at CB, Russell Freeman at T, and Bruce Pickens will replace Trapp as the fifth DB in the nickel defense.
Sources: ESPNet SportsZone, San Francisco Chronicle.
Raider QB Jeff Hostetler has suffered a compression fracture of the cricoid cartilage in his neck and will be out of action for at least several weeks. Vince Evans will start in his place Sunday against the Dolts.
The Raiders released details late yesterday on Hostetler's injury, suffered last Monday night when he was hit in the throat with a forearm cheap shot by Donkeys LB Dave Wyman. (Wyman has been fined $4000 by the NFL.) The injury was originally thought to be only a bruised larynx, and Hoss had been listed as probable for Sunday's game as late as yesterday morning.
The cricoid cartilage surrounds the throat below the Adam's apple and at the base of the larynx, just above the trachea.
Click here to read the entire story on ESPNet SportsZone.
In a second discouraging development, the Raiders failed to sell out Sunday's game at the Coliseum by yesterday's 1:00 p.m. deadline, so the game will be blacked out on television in the Bay Area and Sacramento areas. Those viewers will have to settle for Kansas City-Denver instead.
This is the second straight home game which has not sold out. Approximately 5000 tickets remain unsold.
Seven former finalists, including P Ray Guy and CB Mike Haynes, are among those nominated yesterday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both Guy and Haynes were 1994 finalists. Voting will take place on January 28, the day before Super Bowl XXX.
Other Raider nominees were QB's Ken Stabler and Jim Plunkett, WR Cliff Branch, TE Dave Casper, CB Lester Hayes, and coach John Madden.
Click here to read the entire story on ESPNet SportsZone.
Sources: NandO Sports Server, San Francisco Chronicle.
FLASH!!! The Raiders have just announced (3:39 p.m. EDT) that Jeff Hostetler will miss Sunday's game due to a compression fracture in his neck. Vince Evans will start in his place at QB. The Raiders did not announce how long Hoss is expected to be sidelined.
Source: The NFL Wire on ESPNet SportsZone
The NFL announced that Donkey LB Dave Wyman has been fined $4000 for his forearm shot to Jeff Hostetler's throat. The NFL is still looking into CB James Trapp's kick to the head of Denver WR Ed McCaffrey following the successful 2-point conversion.
Asked about the play of the defensive secondary in Monday night's game, and specifically about CB Najee Mustafaa, Coach Mike White called the secondary's performance "disappointing" and said:
"If neither Lewis or Trapp can play, then obviously we're short. We'll have to go with what we have . . . . Najee really is pretty good. He just has to prepare himself this week.
"If you're vulnerable, they'll find it. Our backups have to rise to the occasion now. The defensive backs have to step forward and play."
Source: Ron Kroichick, San Francisco Chronicle.
There is an unconfirmed report posted by a fan to today's Raiders Fans Mail List stating that Donkey G Ralph Tamm (a former Whiner) punched DT Chester McGlockton in the groin late in the game. According to fan Keith Glasson, Chester said he'll have no comment until December 24th.
Injury report: QB Jeff Hostetler was hit in the throat with a forearm by Donkey LB Dave Wyman on the wild first quarter play in which Lionel Washington went on a long, rambling fumble return. Hoss suffered a badly bruised larynx and had to leave the game at the end of the third quarter when he was no longer able to speak. The swelling is now significantly reduced and Hoss is listed as probable for Sunday's game against Indianapolis.
(As a sideline, Wyman was called for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected from the game after 300-plus-pound Steve Gogan lay on top of him until the officials could identify him. Today the NFL announced that Wyman will be fined an undisclosed amount for the play. Wyman insists he did not intend to hurt Hostetler but threw a bad block on the fumble return.)
Hoss had also suffered with the flu and received fluids intravenously shortly before the game. He did not practice today, but instead saw a doctor regarding the flu symptoms, which have bothered him for almost two weeks.
Meanwhile, MRI exams revealed no serious injuries to CB's Albert Lewis and James Trapp and T Greg Skrepenak. Lewis has a pulled thigh muscle and is listed as questionable for Sunday's game, while Trapp and Skrepenak are listed as doubtful because of sprained knees. FS Eddie Anderson jammed his neck but is not listed on the team's injury list. Skrepenak's injury further depletes an offensive line already missing two starters (Don Mosebar, Gerald Perry). If Skrepenak can't play, Russell Freeman will fill in. If Lewis can't play, Najee Mustafaa will replace him.
Sources: NandO.net Sports Server, San Francisco Chronicle.
Linebacker Mike Jones was named AFC Defensive Player of the Week. He is credited with nine tackles and an interception in Sunday's game at Seattle. Jones leads the Raiders with 37 tackles.
RB Harvey Williams was runnerup to Indianapolis QB Jim Harbaugh for AFC Offensive Player of the Week.
Click here to read the details on the NFL Home Page.
Yesterday's trading deadline passed without the Raiders receiving any serious offers for FS Patrick Bates, who left the team during preseason. Bates remains on the roster.
There's an in-depth story online today in ESPNet SportsZone on Raider draft pick Eli Herring, who turned down an NFL career because of his religious beliefs. Click here to read.
