Oakland Raiders - The Vertical Game

News Archive
May - Aug 1996

Saturday, August 31, 1996

Deactivated for tomorrow's game: RB Tim Hall, LB James Folston, TE Marcus Hinton, and DT LaRoi Glover. The Raiders must still place three more players on the inactive list to trim the roster to 46. Jeff Hostetler, listed as the emergency third quarterback, does not count against that total.

For those of you betting types, the Crows are variously listed as a 1- or 2-point favorite.

Friday, August 30, 1996

Raiders: Out: TE Marcus Hinton (arm); Doubtful: QB Jeff Hostetler (knee); Questionable: LB James Folston (ankle), DT Nolan Harrison (calf), T Robert Jenkins (knee); Probable: DE Aundray Bruce (calf), LB Rob Holmberg (groin), CB Carl Kidd (ankle).

Ravens: Questionable: TE Frank Hartley (knee), LB Jerrol Williams (neck), WR Kelvin Williams (thigh); Probable: CB Isaac Booth (thigh), WR James Roe (calf).

Despite the media's (and Chester McGlockton's) insinuations that the dictatorial Raiders' managing partner Al Davis ran poor John Fox out of town, the Raiders have actually seemed to go out of their way not to criticize the recently departed Fox despite his poor showing as defensive coordinator.

The evidence for this: here's how the San Jose Mercury News began an article today on new defensive coordinator Fred Whittingham:

Read between the lines and just imagine what the Raiders might be saying in hindsight about Fox's complicated read-and-react schemes if they really wanted to criticize him.

The Raiders got back to their old, aggressive style of defense last Friday against the Jests, and the result was the best performance we've seen by the "D" in a long, long time.

Practice squad update: The Raiders filled the practice squad yesterday with the full complement of five players by adding rookie WR Kenyan Branscomb and S Lamar Lyons. WR Sean Foster was cut to create the fifth opening.

Wednesday, August 28, 1996

Eddie Anderson, despite nursing a minor groin injury, will start at free safety Sunday, with Darren Carrington backing him up. Starting strong safety Lorenzo Lynch will be backed up by Dan Land. With the release last weekend of Joe King, the Raiders are going with only 4 safeties on the roster.

T Rick Cunningham, signed during training camp when a rash of injuries struck one Raider tackle after another, suddenly finds himself in a key backup role. He could be the first lineman off the bench Sunday. Former starting T Bruce Jenkins is ready to resume practicing soon following arthroscopic surgery but is not yet ready for game duty.

The Raiders are unsure if DT-DE Nolan Harrison (strained calf) will play against Baltimore.

ODD AND ENDS: The Raiders didn't lose a fumble during preseason despite playing lots of their younger players. Their opponents lost eight fumbles.

Another statistic favoring Oakland's defense was 16 sacks against seven for opponents. DE Aundray Bruce led the defense with 4. Rookie DE Lance Johnstone recorded 3½.

Tuesday, August 27, 1996

There was never much doubt after watching Dan Turk's performance last year, but it's now official. Coach Mike White announced yesterday that second-year man Barret Robbins will start at center in the season opener Sunday.

"Joe [Bugel] wants to see what kind of potential Barret has," said White, ever the diplomat. "They're really pretty equal. Barret maybe has a little better quickness, body control and balance." Not to mention youth and a lower salary.

Turk took the news much better this time than during the team's mini-camp, when he confronted Bugel and stormed off.

"With what happened, I was just happy with the way Joe handled it," Turk said "He was really professional. I expected this decision. They drafted Barret in the second round (in 1995) and they want him to play.

"I think I played better than he did in camp, but I want what's best for the Raiders."

Practice squad: Named to this year's "taxi squad" yesterday were QB Alfred Montez, RB Jerone Davison, WR Sean Foster, and G Joe Wylie.

Foster, a possession-type receiver, had a strong preseason, as he did last year. Looking to the future, disgruntled WR Daryl Hobbs might be well advised to stop his complaining and concentrate on improving his skills. Many observers felt Hobbs showed a noticeable reluctance to go over the middle last year, an absolute necessity for a receiver like Hobbs who isn't particularly fast.

WR Kenny Shedd, the Cinderella story of this year's training camp, has changed jersey numbers from 13 to 84, according to yesterday's San Francisco Examiner.

"I had a weird feeling today," Shedd said (Sunday). "I didn't know what to expect. There was that little bit of uncertainty. Then Fred Balyshnikoff [Biletnikoff] called me over and said, 'Tuesday we're going to start doing extra work,' and I knew I'd made it. Now I'm wearing No. 84, and it has a very special meaning for me. It's my first true receiver number."

Shedd, by the way, has moved up to #4 on the team depth chart and he, not Olanda Truitt, will be returning kickoffs alongside Napoleon Kaufman this weekend. Truitt, in fact, might be deactivated for the game.

With Rocket Ismail gone, the spotlight now shifts to James Jett. Jett, a past Olympic Gold medalist and world class sprinter, has been the subject of much derision by fans and sportswriters because of lackluster production the last two seasons. Those same fans forget that in his rookie year Jett racked up an incredible 771 yards on only 33 passes—a gaudy 23.4 yards per catch average.

Oddly, despite those statistics and making the all-rookie team, the Raiders never seemed to give Jett serious consideration as a starter the following season. He rode the pine while non-producing Alexander Wright started opposite Tim Brown. Last year Jett got little playing time and it seemed the Raiders expected a gamebreaking catch out of him each time he went on the field, although he was only getting four or five reps per game.

Jett worked extremely hard in the offseason on improving his routes and handwork and was reportedly promised a legitimate shot at the #2 receiver job by the Raiders. With Ismail gone, Jett suddenly finds himself on the hot seat. Daryl Hobbs, last year's #3 receiver, has openly criticized Jett and said he deserves to start, although Hobbs has never had a season as productive as Jett's rookie year.

Tim Brown said yesterday, "I think with Jett it's just a matter of him taking his profession seriously. Sometimes you've got to take this home with you and think about it. I think it will be good for him to be here, in a different environment. Not the L.A. lifestyle."

For his part, Jett insists he has heard the critics and has buckled down. "I didn't like all the talk," he said. "I hear quite a bit. ... I want to make myself better as a player."

More on the receivers: Tim Brown said again yesterday that he'll no longer line up in the slot most of the time as in past seasons. "They're going to flip-flop me around so people can't just hone in on me every time and try to double- and triple-team me," Brown said. "If they want to do that, they're going to have to think a little more this year about where I'm going to be instead of knowing I'm going to be in the slot the whole time."

Monday, August 26, 1996

The Raiders were required to name up to five players today to make up their practice squad. I've been unable to find any details on the Web this evening as to the players' names, although QB Alfred Montez and G Joe Wylie will almost certainly be two of the five.

This observer breathed a deep sigh of relief yesterday with the news that Rocket Ismail had been traded. Among other things, it helped resolve the logjam at wide receiver, and it seemed to signify that James Jett, who worked very hard during this past offseason, would finally get a legitimate shot at starting opposite Tim Brown.

Not so fast. Today's San Francisco Chronicle reports that WR Daryl Hobbs is irked that Jett will start ahead of him.

Asked about the Ismail trade, Hobbs said, "I tried to get them to do something for me. I guess I'm backing up Jett. They know how I feel about it. I'm kind of unhappy. I'm tired of being a backup behind a backup. I guess I have to be a third-down receiver here until whenever."

Apparently someone asked Hobbs if he was demanding to be traded. Hobbs replied, "I told them to do something. I want to be a starting wide receiver. I've been here long enough. I was here before Jett was, and he hasn't done anything."

There's yet more bad news today about OFMA, the incompetent organization responsible for selling PSLs to pay off the cost of the Coliseum renovations.

Former Alameda County Supervisor Don Perata, who was instrumental in helping convince the Raiders to return to Oakland, has quit his job as a marketing consultant to OFMA in disgust.

In a resignation letter dated August 19, Perata wrote, "The lack of a discernible organizational structure and the absence of a coherent marketing plan simply make it impossible to perform effectively . . . What we have is a bureaucracy."

QB Jeff Hostetler is definitely out for the opening game September 1 and could miss the following week's game against arch rival Kansas City.

"Hostetler will not play this week. He and I decided that this morning," coach Mike White said Sunday. "He and I just looked each other in the eye, and with the support of the medical people, determined it's better to let him know where he stands and also let the team know we're going on without him."

White said the injury is a strain and not a tear to the posterior cruciate ligament as has been rumored. He said it's unclear whether Hostetler will be ready to play Sept. 8 against the Squaws in Kansas City. Billy Joe Hobert will start against Baltimore.

Sunday, August 25, 1996

The Raiders traded two players and cut five this afternoon to reduce the roster to the required limit of 53.

In a stunning development, WR Raghib "Rocket" Ismail was traded to Carolina for an undisclosed future draft pick. Reserve DT Austin Robbins was traded to New Orleans, also for an undisclosed future draft pick.

Released were K Jeff Jaeger, QB Alfred Montez, G Joe Wylie, CB Bruce Pickens, and S Joe King.

The Raiders will carry 5 wideouts on the roster this year, since both Kenny Shedd and Olanda Truitt made the team. The team carried only four last year. Truitt, who returned kickoffs throughout the preseason, will undoubtedly replace Ismail in that capacity on special teams.

Ismail, a former Heisman Trophy winner and a starter last year, has been a perennial disappointment since coming to the NFL. He caught just three passes in the preseason and had 88 receptions since joining the Raiders in 1993. Despite his disappointing production, many thought he was untouchable because of managing general partner Al Davis' love of speed. Ismail was to have made $900,000 this year.

"He's a talented football player," coach Mike White said of Ismail. "He made a lot of big plays for us. The emergence of (Kenny) Shedd and (Olanda) Truitt made it possible. I wish him the best, but these are the hazards of the business. I'm disappointed his potential wasn't reached here for whatever reason. He's still a marquee player, and he'll continue to make big plays."

Ismail's departure means that speedster James Jett will fill the number 2 receiver slot. Jett is reported to have worked hard during the offseason with a personal coach in an effort to improve his routes and handwork.

The Raiders were evidently unable to interest any team in a trade for Jaeger. Although they'll get nothing for him, his release frees up $675,000 in cap money. Cole Ford beat Jaeger out in the preseason competition for the placekicking duties.

"Obviously I would have liked an explanation why it wasn't done earlier," Jaeger said. "I didn't get it, so be it."

"Hats off to (Ford)," he added. "How can you argue with him? The guy is on fire. He's done great. I have no hard feelings toward him."

Pickens and King are surprises. Both had seemed to figure in the Raiders' plans even though they weren't going to be starters. This observer would have expected Carl Kidd to be cut before Pickens, a former first-round draft choice.

Montez and Wylie, both rookies, will almost certainly be named to the practice squad tomorrow.

NFL teams have to pare their rosters to 53 today. We'll have the names here just as soon as they're available.

"Our number one priority right now is the cutdown," said coach Mike White yesterday. "The coaches are studying film of the whole training camp and putting together everyone's resume. We'll meet with Al (Davis) at 4:30 and go from there. It's our top issue right now."

Each NFL team can name five players tomorrow to the practice squad, and some of those cut today could return. Among those ineligible for the practice squad, however, because of too much NFL experience, are WRs Kenny Shedd and Olanda Truitt. For them, it's the active roster or the waiver wire. Tough choices . . .

One choice the Raiders seem to have made several days ago is to try to trade K Jeff Jaeger. They've been shopping him since mid-week. Teams in need of a placekicker include Minnesota and San Francisco.

Surprise, surprise—the Raiders now say QB Jeff Hostetler may not play in the season opener on September 1st. Hostetler hasn't practiced since injuring a ligament in his right knee in the loss at Atlanta.

Mike White, waffling as usual, said Saturday he could neither confirm nor deny rumors that the injury is a tear to the posterior cruciate ligament. "Whatever it is in that knee, whether it's strained or something else, it's not extensive enough to where he could have an operation," he said.

The Raiders will decide Wednesday morning whether Hostetler will play against the Ravens. If not, Billy Joe Hobert would start.

Post-game injury report: QB Jeff Hostetler (knee), DT Chester McGlockton (neck), T Robert Jenkins (knee) and DL Nolan Harrison (calf) did not suit up because of injuries. S Eddie Anderson did not play because of a minor groin injury.

WR Rocket Ismail, nursing a sore ankle, was not even in evidence on the sideline, although coach Mike White said he was there. A real team guy, that Rocket . . .

CB Albert Lewis left the game in the first quarter after getting poked in the eye. DE Anthony Smith left with a shoulder injury and LB Mike Morton departed with a knee injury.

Finally, the NFL's Friendliest Man, CB James Trapp, wore a neck brace in the locker room after the game. Trapp would not say how he suffered the injury.

Rumors have been flying this week that OFMA, in an effort to attract more people to Raiders games, will convert PSLs from 10-year to lifetime licenses. There's nothing official or confirmed about this, however.

Saturday, August 24, 1996

Linebackers coach Fred Whittingham, charged with preparing the defensive game plan for last night's game in the wake of John Fox's abrupt departure, was named the Raiders' defensive coordinator yesterday before the game.

"I'm not a committee guy," said coach Mike White. "I think people have to know where they stand. You have to delegate authority and responsibility, and that was my intent."

Whittingham, who served as a defensive coordinator for three seasons at Brigham Young University, was chosen over Raiders assistants Floyd Peters and Rusty Tillman, each of whom has previous experience as a defensive coordinator in the NFL.

"I feel real good about Fred," White said. "We have a lot of good, solid defensive coaches. Fred has the respect of not only the coaches but the players."

Thursday, August 22, 1996

The Sacramento reporter who first claimed that QB Jeff Hostetler could miss 4-6 weeks because of his injured knee may have been right.

This morning's San Francisco Chronicle reports that Hostetler has strained ligaments in his right knee and may not be available for the season opener September 1 in Baltimore.

As usual, Hostetler and the Raiders are downplaying the situation. After last year's performance with the media, however, neither Hoss nor Mike White has much credibility.

According to the Chron, Hostetler sidestepped most questions about his knee yesterday as the Raiders broke camp. The article also claims he is wearing both a protective sleeve on the knee and a metal splint on his right ring finger, a byproduct of his ill-advised scuffle with Dallas DT Leon Lett on July 31.

Wednesday, August 21, 1996

Evening update: Two things now seem pretty clear about the kicking situation: (1) both Jeff Jaeger and Cole Ford remain on the roster at this time, and (2) the Raiders are shopping Jaeger, suggesting that Ford has won the job.

That would not be surprising. Although coach Mike White said at the start of the preseason that the kicking job was Jaeger's to lose, Jaeger is 8 years older than Ford and earns $675,000 to about $200,000 for Ford. Jaeger would also be a free agent at the end of the season.

The Raiders aren't required to reduce the roster further until Sunday, so unless a trade happens in the interim, the final decision might not come until then. Senior Assistant Bruce Allen said as much: "There's nothing [in the works]. I don't expect anything to break before the weekend, really."

Summing up the preseason practices, White said he was pleased with training camp workouts. "We've tried to get more physical and we have, though it's cost us with injuries," he said. "But we've practiced better than we've played."

He held a lengthy post-practice meeting on the field to make that point to players.

QB Jeff Hostetler will sit out Friday's game to rest a sore knee. Although there have been some wild rumors—started, apparently, by a Sacramento sportswriter—to the effect that Hostetler's injury is far more serious than the Raiders are saying, there doesn't seem to be any evidence to support that claim. The Raiders expect Billy Joe Hobert and David Klingler to split the quarterbacking duties in Hoss' absence.

Sources: Scripps-McClatchy Western Service (Nando.net), San Francisco Chronicle

Because of unfinished construction at the team's new practice facility in Alameda, the Raiders stayed in Napa through today, one day later than originally planned.

Add the San Jose Mercury News to the list of media claiming the Raiders have released K Jeff Jaeger, although the Raiders deny a decision has been made. Meanwhile, Chronicle columnist Glenn Dickey claims that both kickers remain on the Raiders roster and that the team is trying to shop Jaeger.

Even coach Mike White seemed to be confused yesterday. First he insisted, "The kicking situation is not resolved. I would assume that the administration's attempting to do something. The kickers want a decision." Later, he backtracked somewhat, saying, "We may even keep two kickers, although I don't think that's our intent. If anything happens before the 26th, obviously it will be a transaction (trade)."

It seems both kickers approached White recently and asked for a prompt decision. As Cole Ford put it, "We felt we deserved a decision. So if one of us was going to get released, we would have time for someone else to pick us up."

The Mercury News quotes P Jeff Gossett as saying about Jaeger, "I'm losing my golfing partner."

Friday's 7:00 p.m. exhibition game against the Jets will be blacked out in the Bay Area since the game failed to sell out 72 hours in advance.

Raiders spokesman Mike Taylor said an appeal to the NFL to lift the blackout rule during the exhibition schedule was rejected.

Tuesday, August 20, 1996

The Raiders reduced their roster by a further 12 players today, cutting ten and placing two on injured reserve to bring it down to the required 60. There were some major surprises among the victims.

On offense, gone are RBs Wes Bender, Ricky Ervins and Jerone Davison; WR Sean Foster; C Darius Smith, and G Tom Robsock.

Defensive players cut were DE Matt Dyson, DT Mike Evans, LB Sedric Clark, and S Curtis Cotton.

Dyson was a highly regarded young defensive lineman but had a history of injuries. Foster spent last year on the practice squad and looked like a good potential possession-type receiver, but probably suffered in the competition because he does not return kicks or punts like Olanda Truitt and Kenny Shedd. Bender is a slow-footed but hard-nosed player who has acquired a substantial following among Raider fans.

The cuts also included two of the Raiders' draft picks from last April's college draft—Smith, an undersized center, and Clark, an undersized defensive end whom the Raiders hoped to convert to inside linebacker.

Bender, Davison, Evans and Cotton last played in the WLAF. Robsock, who also played in the World League during the spring, spent last season on the Raiders' practice squad.

It's possible that one or more of those cut could be re-signed to the practice squad next week.

Finally, although today's San Francisco Examiner reported this afternoon that K Jeff Jaeger had been released, that report may not be correct. An AP article with an 11:23 p.m. EST timeline claims that Jaeger was not released but was only clearing out his locker in preparation for the close of training camp. The article mentions trade rumors concerning Jaeger.

The Raiders yesterday awarded the kicking job to Cole Ford, releasing 31-year-old Jeff Jaeger. Jaeger cleared out his locker and left training camp this morning.

By making the decision early, the Raiders are giving Jaeger a chance to catch on with another team.

Monday, August 19, 1996

Released were second-year WR Phillip Bobo, rookie WR Kenyan Branscomb, second-year QB Todd Studer, rookie S Lamar Lyons, second-year DE Malcolm Showell, second-year CB John Morton and 13-year LB Scott Radecic.

Four more players were placed on injured reserve, effectively ending their seasons: rookie RB Kendall Bussey (knee), second-year WR A.C. Caswell (ankle), second-year LB Keith Franklin (lower back) and fourth-year G-T Rich Stephens (leg) were placed on IR. Stephens just underwent surgery yesterday and was going to miss at least 8-12 weeks in any event.

The moves bring the roster down to 72 players in camp. The Raiders must reduce it to 60 by 4:00 p.m. EDT Tuesday.

John Fox abruptly resigned as the Raiders' defensive coordinator following practice on Saturday. Coach Mike White named linebackers coach Fred Whittingham to replace him. The story didn't break until late last evening (Sunday).

"I asked [Whittingham] to organize the defense, and to be ready to call the defensive signals," White said. "We're making this transition with the same system."

Fox's resignation apparently took the other coaches by surprise. He submitted his resignation to Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen and in a brief statement said he didn't want to elaborate on his reasons for leaving.

"I was taken totally by surprised," White said. "He's a friend and excellent football coach. We tried to talk him out of it, but he made up his mind."

Fox was in his third season as defensive coordinator and had recently purchased a home in the Bay Area.

In four exhibition contests thus far, the Raiders were allowing 311.8 yards a game.

This observer will shed no tears at Fox's departure. It was a surprise that he returned at all this season after his ill-conceived "prevent" defensive schemes cost the Raiders several games last year. During the offseason the Raiders (read Al Davis) left Fox dangling for a number of weeks after his contract had expired, but eventually offered him a new contract for this year.

Friday, August 16, 1996

Raider executive Al LoCasale will undergo quintuple-bypass heart surgery today at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. LoCasale, 63, has not suffered a heart attack, but said he has been bothered by chest pains the past two months.

Known as "Little Al" by Raider fans, LoCasale has been with the team for 27 years.

Thursday, August 15, 1996

As today's San Francisco Chronicle points out, Atlanta will give the Raiders secondary a stiff test with its run-and-shoot offense.

Also worth watching will be the competition among the Silver and Black to make the roster at the wide receiver spot. James Jett, who remains listed atop the depth chart at #2 wideout, should see his first game action today since pulling a hamstring last month.

Today's contest will be the last before the roster cut to 60 players next Tuesday.

Wednesday, August 14, 1996

An AP article today on Nando.net concerns Atlanta LB Cornelius Bennett, whom the Falcons lured away from Buffalo during the offseason. Bennett will see his first preseason game action tomorrow against the Raiders.

It seems Atlanta has a new defensive scheme this year which they call the "zone-dog". "In this defense, [Bennett] should be something else," said Atlanta coach June Jones. "He's going to be put in the position to make a lot of plays."

"One of the big pluses is that they're going to move me around so teams won't be able to draw a clean bead on me. I'll be able to get to the ball in a lot of (different) ways," Bennett said.

Several papers, hard up for news, are running the non-story that Patrick Bates, now Atlanta's starting free safety, will face his old teammates tomorrow. Bates never has completely divulged why he was unhappy enough last season to sit out, but he did say, in an offseason interview with the New York Times, that he was so "miserable" that he had to re-evaluate his life.

"I took a year to get my feet underneath me and to reflect on my life outside of football," he said. "Now I am in a place with the Falcons where there are real cats, real dudes, real people. It's a comfort. This is where I belong." Those words won't exactly endear him to his former teammates on the Raiders.

Team exec Bruce Allen had a relatively diplomatic comment: "When Patrick was drafted by us, there were obviously some great expectations. To play here is difficult. It takes a special type of player. It wasn't working out for him, and that's what it really came down to."

Coach Mike White says the starters will play as much as a half against Atlanta tomorrow. The game will be televised nationally on ESPN and locally on Channel 7 (KGO-TV) starting at 5:00 pm Oakland time.

White professes not to be overly concerned that both starting defensive tackles will miss the game: "Being a defensive lineman against the run and shoot is sort of a thankless task," he said. "The ball is delivered so fast. ... I'm probably not as disappointed this week in having them not there as I would if we played a conventional running game where you're trying to put all your pieces together."

FS Darren Carrington will try to play tomorrow despite having torn ligaments in his wrist. "If I can't, then I'll know what I have to do," he said, referring to season-ending surgery.

Tomorrow's game will be one of the 10 games in which the NFL is conducting its instant replay experiment. White is a strong supporter of bringing back the review.

Players on the bubble have to be feeling antsy right now. The Raiders have to reduce the roster to 60 players by next Tuesday (Aug. 20). Another 7 will get cut no later than Aug. 25. Case in point: WR Kenny Shedd, who shares the NFL lead in receptions (11) and leads the league in receiving yards (247), may not even make the team. If he does, it would be as a fifth receiver.

Uh-oh . . . shades of the Whiners!! Monday night the team took a break from football to tour . . . the Mondavi winery.

Today's Chronicle has an interesting feature article on QB Billy Joe Hobert.

There's also an article on defensive coordinator John Fox, who barely kept his job after last season's collapse. According to the Chron, Fox and defensive line coach Floyd Peters have made a strategic change on defense this year. Defensive linemen will no longer shoot through all available gaps; this created too much space for opposing running backs. Now, the Raiders will try to neutralize offensive linemen and react to the play.

Tuesday, August 13, 1996

Coach Mike White explained his reasoning in moving T Pat Harlow from the right side to the left.

"Harlow's strength is pass blocking," White said. "Kennedy is good, too. But we didn't get a good look at him (in the Seattle game). Left tackle is the most important in terms of protecting the quarterback and we've seen that from Harlow from the beginning."

White also said that WRs James Jett and Rocket Ismail are getting a good look by coaches this week.

There's an interesting article this morning on CB Albert Lewis. When the Raiders signed Larry Brown during the offseason, most observers thought Lewis had lost his starting cornerback job. Not so. Many also speculated that Lewis would be moved to free safety. That hasn't happened either, although Lewis says, "I'm mature. I'm very confident in who I am and where I stand with the Raiders. I understand they have to do things for the future. I was only going to move to safety out of necessity, not because I can't play corner. The possibility is still there. I'm proud to be so versatile."

For now, Lewis and Terry McDaniel still start at the corners. When the Raiders face three-receiver formations, Brown plays on the outside and Lewis moves to the slot position, closer to the middle of the field, where he can take advantage of his size (6-2, 205 pounds) and experience, playing almost as a linebacker would.

"Albert is a big, physical player," Brown said. "They don't want an ant like me in there."

Walking wounded: T Lincoln Kennedy returned to practice yesterday and is likely to start at right tackle Thursday against Atlanta. QB Billy Joe Hobert, who jammed his right ring finger last week against Seattle, still can't grip the ball firmly and is day-to-day.

Neither starting defensive tackle will play Thursday. Russell Maryland sprained a foot last week. Chester McGlockton has been sidelined for more than two weeks with a pinched nerve in his neck. He has only played in one preseason game, the opener against Dallas.

Mike White had a few words of wisdom for McGlockton. "(Chester) has a medical problem," he said. "He knows he has to sharpen his skills, if not in this game then in the last one of the preseason (against the New York Jets on Aug. 23). In a lineman's case, you play with your upper body. Chester knows what he has to do to be healthy at the start."

FB Derrick Fenner, who only resumed practice Sunday, is slowly working his pulled right hamstring back into shape and hopes to see at least some action against Atlanta.

Monday, August 12, 1996

Coach Mike White said yesterday that the Raiders will move Pat Harlow to left tackle. The official reason is that Lincoln Kennedy has suffered a bruised ligament below the knee, but Kennedy says he's OK; in fact, he was looking forward to the Atlanta game this Thursday as a chance to show his old team something.

Said White, "We lose another week with Lincoln (hurt). Now, when he comes back, it will be (to compete) at right tackle."

Is this a vote of no confidence in the pass protection abilities of "The Oval Office?" Or in his durability? Stay tuned . . .

WR James Jett, who missed the first three exhibition games with a hamstring injury, is still listed as the starter at the number 2 wideout spot. Jett practiced yesterday and expects to play in Atlanta.

Jett says he's encouraged by the return of the downfield passing game. That should give him more chances to use his speed.

Most of the 19 players who didn't play against Seattle returned to practice yesterday, including FB Derrick Fenner, WR Rocket Ismail, and FSs Eddie Anderson and Darren Carrington. Not practicing were DTs Chester McGlockton (neck) and Russell Maryland (toe).

White indicated that he expects all three quarterbacks to see action in each of the remaining two exhibitions.

Saturday, August 10, 1996

Coach Mike White said yesterday that the Raiders will end their two-a-day practices. He denied that the decision was related to the lackluster effort against Seattle.

"It will accomplish several things, including getting guys off the shelf," White said. "We've had 10 to 15 double-day sessions, and it's taken its toll. Most of the injuries are minor, which is a blessing."

Because of their 5-game exhibition schedule the Raiders started camp almost a week before most other NFL teams.

Doctors have put a cast on the injured ankle of T Jeff Kysar, further depleting the team's reserves at the tackle position.

Offensive line coach Joe Bugel had expected Kysar to contribute this season. "He needs total rest," White said. "We're not encouraged."

Friday, August 9, 1996

Well, there's not much to say about last night's game except that the Raiders let their fans down again. Some of the lowlights:

Postgame injury report: Several Raiders sustained injuries, but none are considered serious: T Lincoln Kennedy (strained right knee), G Kevin Gogan (ankle), CB Terry McDaniel (hip pointer), LB James Folston (sprained left ankle), RB Ricky Ervins (strained abdominal muscle), and QB Billy Joe Hobert (jammed finger on right hand).

19 players were held out of the game, including FB Derrick Fenner (hamstring), WRs James Jett (hamstring) and Rocket Ismail (ankle), Ts Jeff Kysar (ankle) and Charles McRae (broken finger), S Eddie Anderson (groin), and DTs Russell Maryland (foot sprain), Austin Robbins (ankle) and Chester McGlockton (neck stinger).

The battle for wide receiver roster spots is turning into a real horse race. Certain to be on the opening day roster are Ismail, Jett, Tim Brown and Daryl Hobbs. The Raiders will probably carry one additional wideout and could even keep two, depending on special teams needs. Both Shedd and Truitt are making a real run, and so is Sean Foster. Other candidates include A.C. Caswell, who was on the Raiders' practice squad last year and played very well against Dallas, Phillip Bobo, and Kenyan Branscomb.

Asked about Shedd and Truitt, coach Mike White said, "We don't know if both can make it. They are demonstrating things we are looking for. Some of it will have to be done on special teams."

Speaking of Shedd in particular, White added, "He's fun to watch. He's just playing out there. He has a chance to make this football team. When you're evaluating a football team, there's one word that keeps coming up: durability. He seems to have that."

Thursday, August 8, 1996

Although today's game will be blacked out locally, the Raiders' new Web site (the Official Oakland Raiders Home Page) will carry updates, photos, etc. while the game is in progress. You'll find a link to it in this site's Links page (look under Commercial Sites).

T Robert Jenkins, bothered for the last three years by chronic knee problems, underwent arthroscopic surgery yesterday on his right knee. He says he hopes to be able to return in two weeks. Lincoln Kennedy will start today at left tackle.

Just a few days ago coach Mike White made the comment that Jenkins' knees were in the best shape since he'd joined the Raiders, but Jenkins missed practice on Monday because of pain in the knee. He also had offseason arthroscopic surgery on the same knee.

"I've been having a problem with it since Day 1 in camp," said Jenkins. "It's just kind of progressed to where it's affecting my performance. I just wanted to get it squared away."

He becomes the fifth Raider tackle on the injury list. The others are Kennedy (strained biceps), Pat Harlow (broken hand), Charles McRae (broken finger), and Jeff Kysar (bone chips in the ankle). All but Jenkins and Kysar are expected to play in tonight's game.

CB James Trapp gave this explanation for his decision to change back to jersey number 37, the number once worn by Raider great Lester "The Molester" Hayes: "I did it because my wife enjoys watching 37 on the field instead of 27. She gave me a long, drawn-out explanation. But I like the number, too. It's only a number, though. What counts is what's inside."

Wednesday, August 7, 1996

Tomorrow's game isn't close to a sellout and under NFL rules will be blacked out in the San Francisco Bay Area.

Indeed, there may have been as many as 20,000 tickets still unsold as of this afternoon.

Injury report for tomorrow's game: for the Raiders, only DT Chester McGlockton is questionable with a pinched nerve in his neck.

For Seattle: Seattle RB Steve Broussard, hampered by hamstring and lower back injuries, practiced Monday for the first time this season and should see action against Oakland. Fans will recall that Broussard singlehandedly tormented the Raiders with his long kickoff returns in last year's season finale.

Unlikely to play because of relatively minor injuries are starters RB Chris Warren (elbow) and WR Brian Blades (back). In addition, DE Phillip Daniels (ankle) is questionable; CB Nate Odomes is doubtful.

T Charles McRae broke one finger and dislocated another while trying to pull during Monday's practice. McRae will be able to play with a cast on the hand.

Readers who saw McRae try to pull during the Arizona game will understand when I say that he's no tap dancer. It's an adventure every time he tries to pull.

S Darren Carrington, who was held out of both preseason games thus far, has begun practicing with the team again. He has decided to postpone surgery on his injured wrist until after the season. He won't play tomorrow but should play against Atlanta on Aug. 15.

"A delayed surgery is not going to make a difference," coach Mike White said. "It's just a matter of whether he's lost strength or if his hand has to be taped so heavily it affects his play."

WR Rocket Ismail, who lay on the ground for several minutes Monday after T-Mac accidentally stepped on his Achilles tendon, practiced yesterday and will play tomorrow against Seattle.

White said that veterans who were on the field for 10 to 12 plays against Arizona—basically, just the opening series—will see about 20 against Seattle.

Mild mannered CB James Trapp may have decided he's being too nice a guy this season. He's changed from his new number 27 back to the 37 he wore in past years.

CB Larry Brown says he's thankful and relieved that no one was injured in a fire that badly damaged his home in Colleyville, Texas.

"A lot of the house was destroyed," said Brown. "I didn't even ask my wife what (possessions) were lost. As long as they were OK. That's all that mattered." Brown's mother and brother were inside when the fire started but escaped unharmed.

Brown said the damage is estimated at $100,000, and said his family will be displaced for at least 10 weeks.

The continuing saga: Jeff Jaeger and Cole Ford continue battling it out for the placekicker spot on the roster. White has made it clear he won't keep two kickers as he did last year. At the same time, he says neither kicker will win or lose the spot on the basis of any one game.

"That isn't a day-to-day thing," White said. "When it comes time, a decision will be made, but we're not trying to keep score and evaluate from that. They're going to do it themselves. But I couldn't be happier with both of them, with both their kickoffs, hang times and place-kicking."

"They're both getting hang time over four seconds on their kickoffs. We're getting what we want. It's just one of those decisions that will be evaluated over a composite period of months."

Tuesday, Aug. 6, 1996

Tim Brown, who's had laryngitis for the past two weeks, talked yesterday about the Raiders' plans for the passing attack this year. Brown expects to line up more often at wideout rather than in his familiar slot position. The Raiders hope their speed receiver, whether it's James Jett or Rocket Ismail, can be more effective in the slot.

Brown often gets double-teamed when he lines up in the slot. The thinking is that if he can draw a double team on the outside, Jett or Ismail may get a better matchup in the slot.

DE Aundray Bruce returned to practice yesterday, 2 weeks sooner than had been expected after he suffered a severe ankle sprain. He will probably play in Thursday's game against Seattle.

"He looked quick," said coach Mike White. "He's been off his legs for two weeks without the rigors of two-a-day practices, so he's fresher."

"He is one of our most consistent rushers," White said. "When he first came here, he was a little cautious. Last year he decided his career was on the downside and that he had to take care of things."

WR James Jett practiced for the first time since straining a hamstring during the team's second open practice.

WR Rocket Ismail hurt his right ankle when CB Terry McDaniel accidentally stepped on Ismail's leg. Both were going up for the ball. Ismail later walked off the field without difficulty.

Missing all or part of practice yesterday were Matt Dyson (knee), LB Mike Morton (ankle), and DT Chester McGlockton (neck).

Sunday, August 4, 1996

Coach Mike White singled out WR Sean Foster and DE Lance Johnstone for praise in discussing Friday's game.

"We're not patting ourselves on the back, but one thing we're seeing is some of our young players stepping up," he said. "What we're trying to do is develop this team. I felt (Friday's game) was a good step."

For all you financial wizards, here's some further information about first-round draft pick Rickey Dudley's contract with the Raiders, courtesy of the agent for Cincinnati's top pick, Willie Anderson, who leaked it to the press. Dudley, selected number 9 overall, signed a five-year deal with Oakland averaging $1.7 million annually, with no signing bonus, but $1 million in advance and two years of the deal guaranteed.

Saturday, August 3, 1996

Said QB Jeff Hostetler about yesterday's game in which the Raiders had 315 yards passing: "You've got to be able to do all of it. You can't be one-dimensional. You've got to be able to go down the field—and also give the linemen a chance with short and intermediate stuff. That's the only way to have a successful offense."

As for the penalties—the Raiders had a whopping 14 of them last night—coach Mike White is probably getting pretty tired of the topic. His only comment: "We have to clean up the penalties."

The Raiders' kicking game looked particularly sharp. Both placekickers, Jeff Jaeger and Cole Ford, made all their field goal and extra point tries. Jaeger, in fact, booted one of his kickoffs to the back of the end zone—the longest kickoff this observer has seen by Jaeger in a long time. Punter Jeff Gossett put two coffin-corner kicks inside the Arizona 2-yard line.

Also playing very impressively in yesterday's game were two players fighting to make the roster—WR Sean Foster and RB Ricky Ervins, and S Dan Land—yes, that Dan Land, who ran an interception back for a TD only to have it called back due to a penalty.

QBs Hostetler and Billy Joe Hobert both did well, although there was one play which makes this observer question Hostetler's ability to throw deep. On his only long attempt of the night, he badly underthrew Rocket Ismail on what looked like a post pattern. Fortunately for the Raiders, Ismail slowed up, then came back for the ball.

Who looked bad? Robert Jenkins, who started at left tackle, did his best Gerald Perry impression on the opening drive when he first gave up a sack, then had two successive 15-yarders called on him (hands to the head, holding). T Charles McRae was asked to pull on a play late in the game. He did, then proceeded to lay a devastating block on . . . nothing but air. He didn't come close to hitting a Cardinal. Announcer Hank Stram commented that McRae was going to be embarrassed when he saw the film.

Injury report: No new injuries were sustained in the game. Held out of the game were DT Chester McGlockton (neck), S Darren Carrington (wrist), WR James Jett (hamstring), and FB Derrick Fenner (hamstring).

Friday, August 2, 1996

If you've followed the Raiders carefully since the draft in April, you know that there have been vague references by some of the coaches to a "four-cornerback secondary." Fans have also wondered aloud why the Raiders don't move Albert Lewis to free safety in place of Eddie Anderson.

An article in today's San Jose Mercury News gives some insights into defensive coordinator John Fox's latest brainchild, and why the Raiders will apparently keep as many as seven cornerbacks on the roster this season.

Mike White had this to say about Jeff Hostetler swinging at Leon Lett (6-6, 291 pounds) in Dallas: "I think Jeff's emotion and frustration came out. He would probably be better served if he turned the other cheek. He knows that. His hands are his tools."

Thursday, August 1, 1996

There's an interesting Examiner article this evening on Trey Junkin, the special teams standout acquired by the Raiders last month, which poses the question whether the Raiders will keep three long snappers on the roster this year.

The article quotes special teams coach Rusty Tillman: "The thing that separates Trey from others is that he can block well. You never have a free runner with him. It's eight guys blocking eight. I have three guys who can do it on this team (the others are Dan Turk and Joe Wylie), but Trey is the best I've seen."

If that's true, and if Barret Robbins holds his own at center in preseason play, Dan Turk, 34, could well be the odd man out.

S Darren Carrington's injured wrist may be much worse than was originally thought. According to today's Oakland Tribune, Carrington will see a hand specialist next week to determine if surgery is required. Should he undergo surgery, he would most likely miss the rest of the season. It's feared Carrington may have torn ligaments in his right wrist.

Correction: Yesterday's report that KRON-TV (Channel 4) will show a Raider special in the Bay Area this Sunday evening was correct, but the time wasn't. The program will air at 8:30 p.m. instead of 11:00 p.m. as stated yesterday.

Well, yesterday it was QB Jeff Hostetler's turn. He took a swing at Leon Lett from behind after Lett had shoved him at the end of a play. Hostetler was wearing a red jersey, meaning "No hitting allowed." There followed a brief melee, but no one was hurt.

Lorenzo Lynch's take on the Pies: "They've got a bunch of prima donnas. They think they walk on air."

Lynch usually has lots to say, and at the rate he's going he'll soon be reporters' favorite Raider. Tuesday he offered this: "Michael (Irvin) is gone so (Williams) thinks he's The Man now. He's not the average receiver I'm used to seeing. He's short and fat (5-9, 194 pounds) like a running back. I'm not even worried about him. He needs to concentrate on what he's doing because I could have him carried out of here on a stretcher."

Odds and ends: MLB Greg Biekert left Dallas to be with his wife, Shawna, after she gave birth to a premature baby on Monday. He will miss tomorrow's game; Mike Morton will start in his place. . . . Jeff Hostetler will start tomorrow night at QB. . . . The Raiders signed DT Mike Evans, who played the last two years in the WLAF, as insurance. He fills the roster spot previously held by LB Alex Seminik, who tore his anterior cruciate ligament and was out on injured reserve for the season.

Injured and not practicing Wednesday: DTs Chester McGlockton (neck) and Jerry Ball (groin), WRs Phillip Bobo (knee) and James Jett (hamstring), and DB Curtis Cotton.

Sources: San Francisco Chronicle, San Francisco Examiner, Raiders Fans Mail List

Wednesday, July 31, 1996

Lorenzo Lynch and the normally quiet and reserved Terry McDaniel got into it with Dallas WR Kevin Williams at yesterday's practice.

S Curtis Cotton (hamstring) and WR James Jett (hamstring) missed yesterday's practices.

There's a C.W. Nevius feature article on Bay Area product Kevin Gogan in today's San Francisco Chronicle.

For those of you in the Bay Area, KRON-TV (Channel 4) will run a special one-hour Raider edition of Sports Final this coming Sunday following the 11 o'clock news. The program will be broadcast from the Napa Marriott where the players are staying.

Tuesday, July 30, 1996

This late-breaking rumor: tomorrow's edition of the San Jose Mercury News will run a story that the Cowpies are interested in acquiring CB Carl Kidd from the Raiders. Both teams deny the story, and Kidd professes ignorance, but the Mercury News cites an anonymous NFL source as having confirmed it.

Kidd appeared in 13 games last season and made 13 tackles on special teams, tying for third on the team.

The same source is said to have reported that Dallas also asked about CB James Trapp. Ah, if only it were so . . .

In a 7-on-7 scrimmage held Monday, Dallas QB Troy Aikman took the Raiders' secondary apart, completing 6 of 8 passes. Today's defensive effort was better, said coach Mike White.

"I was really disappointed in the effort (Monday), especially defensively. We need quickness. We need movement. And I made myself clear (Monday) that I was unhappy about that. Now today was totally different. . . . The players took the tongue lashing and took my appraisal to heart. We moved quicker, with much more urgency."

White also complimented K Jeff Jaeger, who is competing for his job with Cole Ford. He said Jaeger had at least 4.2 seconds of hang time on each of his two kickoffs in Saturday night's contest (although they still did not appear very deep to this observer).

"That's better than he's even had when he was totally healthy," White said, referring to Jaeger's lingering knee problems. He said a good hang time for Jaeger last season was 3.5 seconds.

The Raiders yesterday signed free agent RB Ricky Ervins, last with San Francisco, to a one-year contract. Ervins looks to be insurance at the position, little more.

Raider RBs Derrick Fenner (tight hamstring), Calvin Jones (sore ankle), Tim Hall (back pain) and Kendall Bussey (arthroscopic knee surgery) are all nursing injuries, leaving almost no depth at the position for this week's practices with the Cowpies.

"We just didn't want to go into these scrimmages short," club executive Bruce Allen said. "Ricky fits what we need right now, and he wants to compete."

Also according to the San Francisco Chronicle, several scuffles occurred during yesterday's practices. The main event apparently featured Dallas DT Leon Lett and Raider G Steve Wisniewski, each grabbing the other's face mask.

S Lorenzo Lynch also gave Dallas CB Kevin Williams an earful and a half of some words of wisdom.

Injury update: WR A.C. Caswell, who had a big night last Saturday, is on crutches at the moment, favoring a bruised bone beneath his right big toe. Caswell suffered the injury earlier in training camp.

"I can barely walk on it," Caswell said. He hopes to be able to play Friday night against Arizona. Caswell grew up in Phoenix.

Back at practice again yesterday were QB Billy Joe Hobert and T Lincoln Kennedy.

Finally, Chronicle beat reporter Ron Kroichick dutifully "clarified" this morning that Billy Joe Hobert is the team's no. 2 quarterback. Kroichick had suggested otherwise in his headline yesterday.

Monday, July 29, 1996

Today the Raiders begin four days of joint practices and scrimmages with the Cowpies. "It's macho against macho," said S Eddie Anderson. "They're the world champs and we think we should be the world champs. You gotta go at it. If we were in the NFC, I truly believe they would be our rivals instead of Kansas City."

Coach Mike White had some comments for the press today after reviewing films of Saturday's 1-point loss. Asked why the Raiders' prevent defense couldn't contain the Dallas offense in the fourth quarter, White responded, "We just haven't gotten to it. That's now a graphic demonstration of being good at what you practice. It was a chance to keep things in front of us to protect the big plays, and the opposite happened."

White had praise for RB Joe Aska, QB David Klingler, WR A.C. Caswell, DE Lance Johnstone, LBs Mike Morton and James Folston, T Patrick Cunningham, and safeties Darren Carrington and Lorenzo Lynch. Oddly, he didn't mention Wes Bender, who many thought was the hero of the game for the Silver and Black with 82 yards rushing.

White also criticized the Raiders' tackling. "That's the most disappointing thing," he said. "We've had more tackling in practice than we've ever had. In the past two or three years, we've been a very average tackling team. Some of our players are above average and some are below. . . . We've had tackling drills in practice. It's obvious to me that we have to have more of them."

This morning's San Francisco Chronicle headline claims there's a genuine battle going on between QBs Billy Joe Hobert and David Klingler for the number 2 spot on the depth chart, but in fact, there's no meat to the story. It's just another attempt to sell more copies of their rag. Ron Kroichick, the Chron's beat reporter for the Raiders, didn't even bother to cover Saturday's game.

Here's what QB coach Larry Kennan had to say about Klingler: "When he's in a rhythm, he's very good. When he's not, he throws the ball too hard." Period.

Injury report: Listed as day-to-day: QB Billy Joe Hobert (ankle), RBs Tim Hall (lower back) and Derrick Fenner (cramps), Ts Lincoln Kennedy (biceps) and Rich Stephens (dehydration), DT Matt Dyson (knee), DE Malcolm Showell (thumb) and FS Darren Carrington (wrist). Four more Raiders who had been out will return to practice this week: WR James Jett (hamstring), CB Bruce Pickens (hamstring) and LBs Greg Biekert (back) and Scott Radecic (calf).

Sunday, July 28, 1996

Injury report: QB Billy Joe Hobert, ankle sprain, listed as day-to-day. No other injuries reported. Coach Mike White said he expects Hobert to practice Monday.

The Raiders also announced that T Lincoln Kennedy's status was upgraded, following an MRI on Thursday, from a torn to a strained biceps, and he'll practice this coming week.

Rookie fourth-string QB Alfred Montez said this about yesterday's wild finish: "When I got back out there, I thought we might do it again. All we needed was a field goal. But I made a couple mistakes, and I overthrew Wes Bender when he was wide open. If I had completed that one, who knows what would've happened."

Today both teams travel to St. Edward's University in Austin, where they'll practice together Monday through Thursday.

Seven Raiders did not make the trip to Dallas: RB Calvin Jones (ankle), LB Keith Franklin (low back), DE Aundray Bruce (ankle), DE Austin Robbins (hip), LB Alex Semenik (ACL tear), RB Kendall Bussey (knee "scoped"), and OT Jeff Kysar (bone chips in ankle).

Saturday, July 27, 1996

A Scripps-McClatchy article on Nando.net this morning gives a glimpse into the Raiders' first training-camp depth chart:

-- Left tackle: Robert Jenkins and Charles McRae co-listed as first string

-- Right tackle: Pat Harlow and Lincoln Kennedy co-listed as first string

-- Tight end: Both Rickey Dudley (#1) and Marcus Hinton (#2) are listed ahead of Andrew Glover

-- #2 wide receiver: James Jett is ahead of Rocket Ismail. This should not come as a surprise to regular readers of this page. We reported several months back that Jett worked out daily during the offseason with a personal coach recommended by Joe Bugel, and that, according to a cousin of Jett's, Jett was told he'd be given a legitimate shot at the #2 slot if he improved his routes and handwork. [Source: Raiders Fans Mail List]

-- Center: At least for the moment, Dan Turk, 34, is listed ahead of Barret Robbins

-- Cornerback: Old pro Albert Lewis, not instant millionaire Larry Brown, is shown as number 1 at the right corner

A medical examination has found that T Lincoln Kennedy does not have a torn left biceps as originally feared. Kennedy has continued working out and should be able to play in the Raiders' second exhibition game, next Friday at Arizona.

The Raiders also belatedly confirmed that T Pat Harlow has a fractured right hand.

More notes on today's game: Backup LB's Rob Holmberg, James Folston and Mike Morton will see extensive action.

Dallas CB-WR Peon Sanders may see limited playing time. The poor fellow (not!) strained a hamstring in practice.

Friday, July 26, 1996

New Raider T Pat Harlow has broken a hand and is playing with a cast on it, according to the San Francisco Chronicle. The Chron suggests the Raiders are trying to keep the injury quiet.

The team has already lost Lincoln Kennedy for 2 weeks with a torn biceps. Jeff Kysar, bothered by bone chips in his ankle, is out for tomorrow's game. Free agent Willie Williams, signed last Friday, retired to go back to college on Tuesday.

There's a fairly lengthy, interesting article in today's San Jose Mercury News on a Raider who's rarely in the spotlight, backup G-T Rich Stephens.

We can expect to see lots of the reserves get substantial playing time in tomorrow's game. Coach Mike White has indicated the starters will play one quarter and perhaps part of the second. It's after the starters come out that things will get interesting. Some positions to watch:

Tight end: Everybody's itching to see top draft pick Rickey Dudley, of course, but keep an eye on second-year man Marcus Hinton, too. As big as Dudley, almost as fast, and with the soft hands of a guy who played wideout in college.

Fullback: Joe Aska, who frankly looked lost last year in preseason, has bulked up to fullback size and has been getting lots of work at that position in camp. With great speed, he figures to give Derrick Fenner strong competition for the starting spot. The big question about Aska will be, can he block?

Center: Unless you've been on Mars for the last six weeks or so, you know how pleased Dan Turk was at the June mini-camp when second-year player Barret Robbins was listed ahead of him on the depth chart. The Raiders think Robbins is the real deal, the next in their line of great centers.

Earlier this week, in something of an understatement, Turk said, "I want to feel the decision will be based on performance, but I understand the situation. My chances would be a little better if I had kept my mouth shut."

Quarterback: Oddly, the Raiders have not officially announced yet who will start at quarterback, prompting some pundits to speculate that Billy Joe Hobert could draw the starting nod. I'd be surprised if Jeff Hostetler doesn't start, but Hobert will get most of the playing time, and we may see some of David Klingler late in the game.

Mike White made this somewhat cryptic comment: "You can look for Billy Joe to get a large part of the playing time, and maybe sooner than you think."

Tailback: Even more so than last year, the Raiders simply have more quality depth at tailback than they can use, making it likely that someone will get traded before the start of the regular season. Calvin Jones is out for the game. The new face to look for is rookie Tim Hall, 6' and 220, very quick, and adept at catching out of the backfield.

Remember, we have the latest roster here on this site, so print out a copy and get set for the action!

Thursday, July 25, 1996

The Raiders signed T Patrick Cunningham yesterday after he was waived by Minnesota. A six-year NFL veteran, Cunningham is 6-7, 310 pounds. He played at Sacramento City College and Texas A&M, and was Indianapolis' fourth-round pick in 1990.

The Raiders also waived two rookie free agents Wednesday: WR Frank Madu of Washington State and QB Jon Nielsen of Claremont-McKenna.

Here's a bit of humor for you. Jerry Ball volunteered for duty on the kickoff return team—not a surprise since he's fighting to keep his job. He described a kickoff blocking wedge the Raiders tried in practice.

"At one point, they had all the big fellas out there—me, Chet (McGlockton), (Kevin) Gogan, and Lincoln (Kennedy)," Ball said of the unit that averaged 325 pounds per man. "It looked like we were standing in line for some grub."

Speaking of Ball, the defensive tackle disclosed today that he played most of last season with a torn left biceps tendon.

"I can't evaluate myself like a coach, but I can tell you that I played pretty much the whole year with one arm," Ball said. "And you don't play in those trenches with one arm. Some guys can't do it with two."

"It was something to play with, trust that. It got to the point I couldn't even take my jacket and hang it on a hook." He added, "I think (the injury) had an adverse effect on what I was capable of doing. But at the same time, nobody was (dominating) me, and that's a fact."

Practice notes: CB Bruce Pickens (hamstring) returned to practice. T Charles McRae (knee) missed the morning session but practiced in the afternoon. FB Derrick Fenner (hamstring) didn't complete the afternoon workout.

Injury update: Out for Saturday's game at Dallas: WR James Jett (hamstring), RB Calvin Jones (ankle), LB's Greg Biekert (back), Scott Radecic (calf) and Keith Franklin (back), DE's Austin Robbins (hip) and Aundray Bruce (ankle), and T's Lincoln Kennedy (biceps) and Jeff Kysar (foot). Of that group, only Bruce, Kennedy and Franklin will not practice against Dallas.

Wednesday, July 24, 1996

Ex-Raider Aaron Wallace, signed by Denver as a free agent during the offseason, didn't last long as a Donkey. Denver released him today. Rumors are that he had failed a substance abuse test.

The Raiders signed LB Paul Butcher, 32, to take the place of Alex Seminik, who underwent knee surgery Monday. Butcher has previously played with Detroit, Indianapolis, Carolina and the Lambs.

Tuesday, July 23, 1996

The Raiders got the word today on two injuries from Monday night's scrimmage and it wasn't good.

DE Aundray Bruce will miss up to four weeks with a sprained right ankle. T Lincoln Kennedy will be out two weeks because of a torn left bicep.

Until now Bruce had never missed a practice in his nine-year NFL career. He hopes to return for the August 2 exhibition game against Arizona.

Also, T Willie Williams, signed as a free agent just last weekend, retired to return to college.

Further injuries: LB's Greg Biekert (stiff back) and Keith Franklin (lower back problem) are out for Saturday's game in Dallas. RB Calvin Jones (ankle) and T Jeff Kysar (foot) are questionable. WR James Jett (hamstring) and DE Austin Robbins (hip) are probable.

Monday, July 22, 1996

Several newspapers reported today that new special teams coach Rusty Tillman has been badgering Mike White to let him use more starters on the special teams. In particular, it seems he wants hard-hitting SS Lorenzo Lynch.

Sunday, July 21, 1996

Injury report: Rookie RB Kendall Bussey has torn cartilage in his left knee and will need surgery. The injury may have occurred earlier in Bussey's career. Free agent LB Alex Semenik collapsed during a punt coverage drill yesterday after his left knee buckled. He tore his anterior cruciate ligament and is lost for the season.

Still out with injuries: T Jeff Kysar (foot), DE Austin Robbins (hip), CB's Larry Brown (heel) and Bruce Pickens (hamstring), and LB' s Keith Franklin (back) and Scott Radecic (calf).

The Raiders have two more open practices scheduled for Monday and Thursday at Memorial Stadium.

Hall of Fame center Jim Otto has sold his five Sacramento-area Burger King franchises and is working full time for the team as an administrative aide. Otto said he is following through on a promise to Al Davis that he would work for the Raiders full time if they ever returned to Northern California.

Saturday, July 20, 1996

The Raiders held a Fan Appreciation Day featuring an open practice and autograph session today in front of a full house of some 7,000 fans at Napa's Memorial Stadium.

In a one-hour series of drills, the defense stopped the offense four times in six series in the red zone. QB's Jeff Hostetler and Billy Joe Hobert each threw for a touchdown.

"As the season went on last year, one area of poor production was in our red zone offense," said coach Mike White.

There will be two more open practices: this coming Monday (July 22) and Thursday (July 25).

Converted WR Marcus Hinton is looking forward to this year at tight end. As might be expected, he says he needs to concentrate on improving his blocking, but he's ready to get out and run those deep patterns down the middle.

"The offense is wide open," Hinton said. "They're definitely ready to get us the ball. And this year we are going to have a chance to read coverages on the run."

Yesterday's injury report: Missing practice yesterday were CB Larry Brown (left hamstring, right heel), T Pat Harlow (back), T Jeff Kysar (foot), RB Calvin Jones (ankle), CB Bruce Pickens (hamstring), DT Austin Robbins (shoulder), and LB Scott Radecic (calf).

Mike White has greatly increased the amount of hitting in practice this year. All practices now are conducted in pads. "A lot of teams can get things done in their underwear," he said. "This team did not demonstrate that ability a year ago. When we went from pads to no pads, we went from execution to, frankly, just a casual atmosphere. That hurt us."

"From this day forward, a football player is never without ache or pain (in camp)," he said. "It teaches them that they've got to play through some pain."

"We try to differentiate between pain and injury. If it's pain, that's just football. I mention that because it's important this team gets a tougher attitude and (realize) the premium that has to be put on durability."

Trey Junkin, who in his previous stint with the Raiders played with Howie Long, Lyle Alzado, Marcus Allen and Bill Pickel, said: "With them, it wasn't a toughness as far as hitting on the field or going out and hitting each other. It was more of a mental toughness. As far as in the fourth quarter, everybody was looking around and saying, 'OK, it's time.' It didn't matter if we had to score three touchdowns or three points, or if we were up by three touchdowns and had to bury them. It was just . . . we were going to win no matter what."

San Francisco Chronicle columnist C.W. Nevius writes today: "(Joe) Bugel says the fullbacks, including Derrick Fenner, who was unhappy with his lack of ball-carrying chances last year, and Joe Aska, both 250-pounders, are going to be pounding it inside a lot more this year."

This is the first mention of Aska, a third-round draft choice last year who is considered a "project," in a long time. If he is playing at 250 as Nevius claims, he's bulked up considerably and will obviously be tried at fullback even though he prefers tailback.

The recently departed Russell Freeman's number 70 didn't stay vacant long. Yesterday the Raiders signed Willie Williams, a 6-6, 310-pound tackle who played at LSU and with the World League's Amsterdam Admirals. Williams will wear number 70.

Friday, July 19, 1996

C Dan Turk was a happy camper yesterday after practicing with the first string. He recently walked out of mini-camp when he saw he was listed behind Barret Robbins on the depth chart.

"I was real happy to be in there with the first string," said Turk, 33. "I worked harder this off-season than I've ever done. I'm in good shape, I feel great, and I didn't get tired during practice. That's what I've worked for."

No depth chart was posted Thursday, so Turk seized the moment. "When they called for a first-team offensive line, I just jumped in there," Turk said. "I kind of just held my breath, and it was just business as usual. It felt really good."

Offensive line coach Joe Bugel said competition for the job will make both players better. "That's a healthy position to be in, to have two centers who really want to play, really want to start," he said. "I think that situation will clear up by the beginning of the season."

T Russell Freeman became the first casualty of training camp when the Raiders waived him yesterday. Freeman, 26, appeared in 15 games last season and started once. The reason given was Freeman's nagging knee problems.

"He really had a hard time coming off his knee," said offensive line coach Joe Bugel. "He's going back to (his home in) Atlanta to rehab it, and maybe sometime in the distant future, he could come back. But right now we have some depth, and he was the odd man out."

Quite apart from his knee problems, Freeman had only marginal ability. His release reflects the greater depth on the Raiders' offensive line this season.

Added to the roster yesterday were free-agent LB Alex Semenik and CB Curtis Cotton, a World League player initially excused from camp because of a wrist injury.

Semenik, 25, played at San Diego State and spent part of last season with Kansas City.

S Eddie Anderson checked into camp at 210 pounds, eight fewer than he carried last season. He last played at 210 about five years ago.

"I came to camp overweight last year, and I felt like I let my teammates down," Anderson said. "I want to let them know I'm ready. I feel like I'm in the best shape of my life. It should give me a chance to be quicker."

Anderson, who turns 33 on Monday, will compete with Darren Carrington for the starting job at free safety.

Wednesday, July 17, 1996

Coach Mike White was talking up WR Sean Foster yesterday. "Sean Foster is an amazing individual," he said. "He makes plays, catches balls. . . . Foster is sort of a combination (of a fast receiver and possession receiver). He's not a blazer, but he has unbelievable concentration. He's one of the guys who's setting an example for camp. He's one of the guys who caught the coaches' eyes and has prepared well."

Foster, 28, spent last season on the Raiders' practice squad. He has also played briefly with the Rams, Browns and Patriots, and in the World and Canadian Leagues.

White, who also talked about the improvement of James Jett and free agent acquisition Olanda Truitt, said the No. 2 receiver job is up for grabs.

"That is a position that . . . is probably as competitive as there is on this team," White said.

Among the others who have made a favorable impression at camp, White said, are rookies RB Tim Hall, QB Alfred Montez and TE Rickey Dudley, and T Pat Harlow.

On the defensive side of the ball, White complimented FS Darren Carrington, SS Lorenzo Lynch, CB James Trapp, linemen Nolan Harrison and Lance Johnstone, and LB's James Folston and Mike Morton.

Tuesday, July 16, 1996

WR Rocket Ismail finally arrived and signed his contract yesterday, two days late. Ismail worked out alone while the rest of the team practiced in pads.

The Raiders, who had exclusive negotiating rights to Ismail, offered him the minimum tender required under the collective bargaining agreement—a 10% increase over last season's salary, or $935,000.

Mike Umphenour, a 49-year-old Petaluma resident better known as Dark Raider, has decided to hang it up. He paraded around in a Darth Vader costume at Raider games from 1977-95, and although it was fun, he figured it was time to give it up.

"I want to sit and watch the game," Umphenour said. "It takes a lot out of you roaming those stadium decks. I'm not 33 anymore. Besides, there's four other people out there imitating me already. They can carry on the tradition."

Monday, July 15, 1996

RB Calvin Jones agreed to contract terms and practiced yesterday. Jones said he missed last month's mandatory minicamp because of a death in his family. Apparently Jones' agent, Marlon Polk, never conveyed that information to the Raiders. Jones has since fired Polk and gotten a new agent.

Coach Mike White said he remains optimistic that Jones can make a valuable contribution: "He's a big-time player from a big-time program. Sometimes people get bad advice."

Sunday, July 14, 1996

Good news!! . . . the Raiders have signed all their players and expect everyone in camp by today.

"It's a miracle again," coach Mike White said yesterday at the team's new training site in Napa. "Considering we were the second NFL team to go to camp, I can't say enough about our organization in getting things done."

The team had signed TE Rickey Dudley on Thursday and DT La'Roi Glover on Friday. Others agreeing to terms in rapid succession were DE Lance Johnstone from Temple, second round; RB Tim Hall from Robert Morris, sixth round; and LB Sedric Clark from Tulsa, C Darius Smith from Sam Houston, and G Joe Wylie from Stephen F. Austin, all seventh-round choices. White said the Raiders would have everyone on the roster in camp and under contract perhaps as early as last evening.

DT Jerry Ball and TE Andrew Glover, both of whom could lose their starting jobs this year, each reported 24 hours late and may be fined. In addition, WR Raghib Ismail and RB Calvin Jones, neither of whom had signed a contract for this year, have agreed to terms and are en route to Napa.

Saturday, July 13, 1996

The Raiders waived TE Kerry Cash last night after signing fifth-round draft choice DT La'Roi Glover yesterday. Cash platooned with Andrew Glover last season at tight end.

Cash was a victim of the salary cap. "Kerry did a good job for us," said coach Mike White graciously. "He'll help an NFL team."

In fact, Cash caught only 25 passes last season after joining the Raiders as a free agent. His departure frees up $750,000 under this year's salary cap and $1 million under next year's cap.

Part of the cap squeeze: it's now being reported that Rickey Dudley's contract was for $8.8 million rather than the $7 million previously reported.

Jeff Gossett's job may also be in jeopardy. The Raiders are bidding for the services of Seattle punter Rick Tuten, who led the NFL last year in gross punting average (45.0 yards). Tuten, 31, has until Monday to strike a deal with another team. Otherwise, his rights revert exclusively to the Seahawks, who previously tendered him a contract offer.

Tuten's agent said the Raiders and two other teams are still in contention. Tuten previously worked with Raiders special teams coach Rusty Tillman in Seattle, but salary cap realities may prevent the Raiders from being able to sign him.

Still unsigned and thus not allowed to suit up: WR Raghib Ismail, RB Calvin Jones, and the five remaining Raider draft choices, including second-round pick Lance Johnstone. The Raiders still retain exclusive negotiating rights to both Ismail and Jones.

Yesterday the team formally signed K Cole Ford and CB Carl Kidd, along with WLAF players Malcomb Showell, Jerone Davison and Kenny Shedd.

Unrestricted free agent FB Eric Ball, a special teams standout, hasn't been re-signed and it begins to look as though he may not be back. Rumor has it that Ball wants assurances he'll be allowed to complete on an equal footing with Wes Bender for more playing time.

The Raiders will hold the first of three open practices Monday evening at 7:00 p.m. in Napa's Memorial Stadium. Directions: from Highway 29, turn right on Trancas, then right on Jefferson, then right on Menlo.

Friday, July 12, 1996

Camp starts today, and all but fourteen veterans are expected to be there, including C Dan Turk and RB Calvin Jones, each of whom missed part or all of the required mini-camp. Each was fined for his absence and paid the fine. The first practice is scheduled for tomorrow morning.

One possible complication: unsigned rookies cannot participate, and of the Raiders' draft picks, only Rickey Dudley has signed a contract. Look for a spate of further signings today.

Those not expected until next Wednesday: Eddie Anderson, Greg Biekert, Tim Brown, Derrick Fenner, Rob Fredrickson, Mike Jones, Daryl Hobbs, Jeff Hostetler, Albert Lewis, Terry McDaniel, Chester McGlockton, Anthony Smith, Pat Swilling, and Harvey Williams.

Rickey Dudley's contract is said to be for five years and a little more than $7 million. That works out to an annual average of about $1.4 million.

This year's preseason camp will feature competition at many more positions than last year's. According to the Chronicle, Coach Mike White intends to avoid the sense of complacency that caused last season's staggering tailspin.

Said White, "If people think there's really legitimate competition, things will take care of themselves. If people feel secure, others feel that no matter what they do, they have no chance."

"That doesn't build a team. We need that competition. I'd rather have a little insecurity in training camp."

Thursday, July 11, 1996

The Raiders signed TE Rickey Dudley, the ninth overall pick in the 1996 NFL draft, to a multiyear contract today. Terms were not released.

The 6-6, 248-pound Dudley becomes the fifth first-round draft choice to agree to terms, and the highest to date to sign a contract.

Wednesday, July 10, 1996

According to today's San Francisco Chronicle, Rickey Dudley's agent says that he and the Raiders are very close to agreeing on a deal for the first-round draft pick and that he expects to have negotiations completed before the rookie reports to camp on Friday.

Also according to the Chron, the agent for All-Pro DT Chester McGlockton claims to be "optimistic" that he and the Raiders can agree on a contract extension for McGlockton.

McGlockton has two years to go on a six-year, $5.4 million deal which he himself, together with his father, negotiated after he was drafted by the Raiders. He has been very vocal in his complaints that he is underpaid. Indeed, McGlockton recently was quoted as saying that he "wouldn't care" if the Raiders traded him or benched him, and also said in the course of a lengthy interview that he hadn't altered his offseason training so as to be in better condition this season.

Despite his own client's words, agent James Williams said, "Chester's a professional. He's got a contract, and he'll fulfill his contract."

Tuesday, July 9, 1996

There's been no Raiders news of substance for days now, but don't lose heart, fans—we're only three days away from the start of preseason!

Rookies and a handful of veterans will report in at the new site in Napa on July 12. The majority of veterans won't report until July 17. The reason for the different dates is a new NFL rule this year that prohibits veterans from participating in early camps unless they were injured at the end of last season or had surgery during the offseason.

Friday, June 28, 1996

According to several reports, the Raiders signed FB Wes Bender yesterday. Bender, a late preseason cut last year, played for Frankfurt during the just-concluded WLAF season.

The team also signed journeyman LB Scott Radecic, who has played previously for Indianapolis, Kansas City and Buffalo.

Wednesday, June 26, 1996

The Oakland Tribune reports that the Raiders have signed free agent Frank Madu of Washington State to a one-year contract. The diminutive Madu is 5-10, 185 lbs and played RB at WSU, but will try to make the Raiders squad as a WR.

Saturday, June 22, 1996

Jeff Kysar and Napoleon Kaufman represent the Raiders today in the NFL Arm Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas.

Friday, June 21, 1996

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled yesterday, in a case with important financial implications, that the NFL could properly pay a uniform $1000/week salary to developmental ("practice") squad members.

The case, titled Brown v. Pro Football, Inc., was the only remaining case of a group of antitrust claims filed by players between 1987 and 1992. All other cases were resolved as part of the settlement that produced the 1993 NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, which recently was extended through the 2002 season.

The Supreme Court did not actually say that the owners hadn't violated the antitrust or federal labor laws. Rather, it held by an 8-1 vote that the owners' action in unilaterally reducing the taxi squad players' salaries was a part of the collective bargaining process in which the courts ought not to interfere.

Wednesday, June 19, 1996

This morning's Oakland Tribune reports that the Raiders have re-signed offensive lineman Rich Stephens. Although Stephens, who can play both guard and tackle, was a free agent, his contract gave the Raiders a right of first refusal.

Thursday, June 13, 1996

Yesterday's report concerning Gerald Perry was confirmed in today's edition of the San Jose Mercury News. The paper says that last Friday the Lambs signed Perry to a one-year contract worth $475,000.

The article also mentions that C Dan Turk has started working out in the weight room. Hmm, do you suppose that could be related to the signing of long snapper Trey Junkin?

Wednesday, June 12, 1996

Raider fan Ray Meyer, father-in-law of T Jeff Kysar, reports that Kysar and Nip Kaufman will represent the Raiders at the NFL Arm Wrestling Championship in Las Vegas the weekend after next.

Now there's an odd pair—one 6-7, one 5-8, and both with arms the size of tree trunks!

Also, Raider fan Dave Posluszny reports hearing on ESPN that T Gerald Perry signed with St. Louis last week for a measly $475,000 salary.

Forget my prediction of last week that the Raiders might sign Seattle S Robert Blackmon. He re-signed with the Hags today.

Monday, June 10, 1996

The AP reports that the Raiders signed free agent and ex-Raider TE Trey Junkin today. Junkin is also a long snapper.

Junkin played with the Raiders from 1985-89 before spending the last 6 seasons with Seattle, where he was special teams captain and snapped for punts and place kicks. He was also used as an extra tight end in short yardage and goal line situations.

Junkin, a 14-year NFL veteran, was drafted by the Buffalo Bills out of Louisiana Tech in 1983.

"I'm excited about returning to the Raiders, a team I have a great deal of sentiment for as they gave me an opportunity to establish myself in this league," Junkin said. "I'm also looking forward to being reunited with Rusty Tillman, who is simply the best special teams coach in the NFL."

Defending champion (and Raider CB) James Trapp was dethroned over the weekend as the NFL's Fastest Man by . . . Raider WR James Jett. Ex-Raider Alexander Wright placed third in the competition.

Sunday, June 9, 1996

According to the Cincinnati Enquirer, David Klingler signed a two-year pact for $1 million.

Klingler is yet another first-round draft choice on the Raiders roster. Cincinnati selected him as the sixth pick overall in 1992.

Saturday, June 8, 1996

Free agent QB David Klingler, who lost the Bengals' starting job in 1994 and never could regain it, signed with the Raiders today as their number 3 quarterback. He'll back up Jeff Hostetler and Billy Joe Hobert.

"It's great to have a player with his athletic ability and experience for our team," Raiders coach Mike White said.

Klingler, 27, said he was "excited about the opportunity to come to the Raiders and play for a team that can win this year."

Barring an unforeseen injury, the move ends Vince Evans' career as a Raider. Coach Mike White had said during last week's mini-camp, "There's been no effort on our part to contact Vince. Until we have a final decision, there's no sense in us contacting him."

According to the San Jose Mercury News, White has described what he's looking for in a No. 3 quarterback as a patient veteran who can play if needed, but who is satisfied with his role as a backup. "We're committed to Billy Joe [Hobert] (as the No. 2 quarterback), pure and simple," White said last Sunday.

The Mercury News also mentioned the name of a new rookie among those whom it says are presently competing with Alfred Montez of Western New Mexico for the number 4 quarterback spot (most likely camp fodder, at best the practice squad): Jon Nielson of Claremont.

Friday, June 7, 1996

The Raiders have finally chosen the site for their team headquarters and held a news conference there yesterday. The 13-acre site, located at 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway in Alameda, is less than a mile from the dirt lot on Doolittle Drive where the old facility stood.

The Raiders will share office space with FiServ, a check-processing company, until FiServ's lease expires in December 1997.

Managing partner Al Davis estimated the project will cost $13 to $16.5 million and will be finished—complete with a locker room, weight room, and three practice fields—by mid-August.

"We're going to have all of the state-of-the-art equipment from all over the world," said Davis, adding the facility will be among the largest in the NFL.

C Dan Turk, who skipped the team's mandatory mini-camp, has returned to the Raiders and trained Thursday at the El Segundo facility.

"We're not going to let a two-minute argument end a two-year relationship," Turk said yesterday. "We agreed that neither of us handled it well. Joe [Bugel] said maybe it was bad timing on his part, and that made me feel good."

"He didn't realize how intense I was about this minicamp. I had built myself up for a long time, after seven years behind Don Mosebar. I was finally coming into minicamp as the starter."

"I'm a pretty emotional person. I exploded. Maybe I didn't handle it perfectly, but I handled it the way I had to at the time."

The argument erupted Saturday night, when Bugel assigned Turk to practice with the second-team offensive line. Turk, the starter last season after 10 years as a backup, quickly confronted Bugel. Turk said Bugel told him second-year center Barret Robbins deserved the starting job. This infuriated Turk, who asked the Raiders to trade him or waive him. They refused.

"I'll come to training camp with that fire in my belly, and we'll see who's the best center," Turk said. "If the Raiders think their best chance to go to the Super Bowl is with Barret Robbins at center and me as the backup, let's go. I don't think that's going to happen, but we'll see."

Wednesday, June 5, 1996

The Raiders have announced the dates of their open practices during the coming preseason. The team will hold practices open to the public at Napa's Memorial Stadium on the evenings of July 15, 22 and 25.

Dan Turk talked by telephone with managing general partner Al Davis and head coach Mike White on Monday night, and will meet today with White and Joe Bugel.

"I'm sure the misunderstanding will be behind everyone very shortly," said Raiders senior assistant Bruce Allen, who worked at the team's Oakland office yesterday and also spoke to Turk by telephone. "I'm going to meet with Dan later this week."

Asked whether second-year man Barret Robbins is ready for a starting role, White said, "What we saw in Barret in college was quickness. He didn't really have a picture-perfect body, but we saw that quickness. Now that he's sort of rearranged his body, we feel good about that."

"We just don't know about the mental part of it. It's not an easy position for a young guy."

Reserve CB James Trapp will defend his NFL's Fastest Man title on Saturday. Among the competitors will be WR James Jett and ex-Raider and former titleholder Alexander Wright.

Miscellaneous mini-camp news: Sitting out all or part of the drills were DT Jerry Ball, recuperating from shoulder surgery; T Russell Freeman (knee surgery); and LB Matt Dyson (strained calf). Rookie RB Tim Hall wrenched his back during a drill Sunday and did not get many repetitions after that. . . . Rookies and selected veterans will report to training camp in Napa on July 12; the remainder of the team reports July 18. . . . New Raider SS Lorenzo Lynch intercepted three Hostetler passes during mini-camp, including two consecutive ones in Monday's practice. "I'm a big ballhawk, that's my thing," said Lynch. "If I can't be there to get the pick, I want to be there to get the knockout shot. If I can't be there to get the knockout shot, I want to be there to make the strip."

Monday, June 3, 1996

Tomorrow's online edition of the San Jose Mercury News confirms an earlier KNBR report that C Dan Turk has refused to report to mini-camp and is demanding to be traded.

Turk, 33, has been AWOL since he learned Saturday night that second-year center Barret Robbins had moved ahead of him on the depth chart.

"I asked them from the bottom of my heart to trade me," Turk told the Contra Costa Times. "But to them, I'm not worth much. I'm just hoping there's someone else out there who wants me. If not, waive me."

"After so many years behind the great Don Mosebar, I was told I had to beat [Robbins] out," Turk said. "That was the Raider way. . . . They wanted me to accept being demoted for no reason. Why can't he earn that job like everyone else?"

Said Robbins, "Dan felt like he was being cheated a little bit. There's nothing between him or me; it's between him and the coaches. . . . (But) I came here to be the No. 1 guy. I think right now I'm ready to make that step."

With this development, rookie draft pick Joe Wylie's chances of making the roster may have improved. Wylie is an accomplished long snapper, a role Turk filled for the Raiders for the past six seasons.

Also missing from mini-camp is RB Calvin Jones. Although the Raiders own his rights, he is not under contract. Coach Mike White's comment: "I'm disappointed. I like Calvin a lot. I think he has real ability."

The rumor that free agent DE-LB Aaron Wallace signed with Denver, first reported here on May 10, can now be confirmed. There's an article about Wallace on Nando.net this morning.

Sunday, June 2, 1996

Here's an interesting rumor passed on by Raider fan David Spriet. The Raiders are said to be talking to the Whiners about trading Anthony Smith and Calvin Jones for All-Pro safety Merton Hanks.

The rumor is plausible. Hanks is known to want to renegotiate his contract, but the Whiners are up against the salary cap.

Saturday, June 1, 1996

The Raiders' first mini-camp for the entire squad, a three-day affair, begins tomorrow.

Friday, May 31, 1996

It's been an exceptionally quiet week in Raiderland, but all hell may break loose starting tomorrow, when signing bonuses of cut players begin to count against this year's higher salary cap.

Here's my prediction: the Raiders will cut Anthony Smith ($1.6 million) and Eddie Anderson (something like $1.2 million). Nolan Harrison and/or Jerry Ball could be on the block, too. Look for the team to sign a big-name safety, either Detroit's Bennie Blades or Seattle's Robert Blackmon, to try to plug the team's remaining major weakness.

Saturday, May 25, 1996

Don't expect Glover to remain on the roster for long. Last month the Raiders gave up three draft picks to get a shot at drafting TE Rickey Dudley, and the coaches are also said to be high on second-year TE Marcus Hinton. Glover was an unrestricted free agent, meaning the Raiders would have received nothing in return had he signed with another team. Now that he's signed the team can at least try to trade him.

Thursday, May 23, 1996

If you've been wondering why there have been few roster cuts or free agent signings lately, the next flurry of activit