Oakland Raiders - The Vertical Game

News Archive
Sept. 6 - Dec. 25, 1999

Saturday, December 25, 1999

Raiders: Out: DE Tony Bryant (ankle). Doubtful: S Eric Turner (calf). Questionable: WR Terry Mickens (neck); RB Jon Ritchie (knee). Probable: DE Rod Coleman (hamstring); RB Tyrone Wheatley (groin).

Chargers: Doubtful: CB Terrance Shaw (knee). Questionable: LB Gerald Dixon (ankle); S Michael Dumas (toe); S Rodney Harrison (shoulder); QB Ryan Leaf (shoulder). Probable: TE Reggie Davis (toe); WR Charlie Jones (back); CB Darryll Lewis (knee); LB Junior Seau (abdomen).

Thursday, December 23, 1999

Selected were G Steve Wisniewski, C Barret Robbins, TE Rickey Dudley, and RB Napoleon Kaufman.

The MRI exam on Jon Ritchie's knee came back negative and he's expected to play Sunday despite coach Jon Gruden's 'doom and gloom' on the subject earlier in the week. As of yesterday Ritchie was officially listed as "questionable".

Wednesday, December 22, 1999

On offense, WR Tim Brown and QB Rich Gannon were selected, Brown behind Indy's Marvin Harrison and Jacksonville's Jimmy Smith, Gannon behind QBs Peyton Manning and Mark Brunell. It marked Brown's eighth selection, but was the first for Gannon.

On the defensive side, DT Darrell Russell and CB Charles Woodson were named starters. It will be the second trip to Honolulu for each.

This cynic notes that Russell has largely disappeared from view in the latter part of two consecutive seasons. He's fortunate that the voting is conducted as early in the season as it is.

How on earth, one may ask (rhetorically), can anyone conceivably justify not selecting Barret Robbins at center?

Raiders: Out: DE Tony Bryant (ankle). Doubtful: S Eric Turner (calf). Questionable: WR Terry Mickens (neck); RB Jon Ritchie (knee).

Chargers: Doubtful: CB Terrance Shaw (knee). Questionable: LB Gerald Dixon (ankle); S Michael Dumas (toe); S Rodney Harrison (shoulder); QB Ryan Leaf (shoulder); CB Darryll Lewis (knee). Probable: TE Reggie Davis (toe); WR Charlie Jones (back); LB Junior Seau (abdomen).

Tuesday, December 21, 1999

FB Jon Ritchie suffered an injury to his right knee during the second quarter of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay. Ritchie was to undergo an MRI exam yesterday.

Coach Jon Gruden said he would have no further announcement on Ritchie's status before Wednesday. Gruden also characterized S Eric Turner as still doubtful for another week.

Gruden disclosed that K Joe Nedney will be the active placekicker for the team's two remaining games, and Eric Barton will continue to start at weak side linebacker.

For you incurable optimists out there, here's the scenario the Raiders would need in order to make the playoffs as a Wild Card team:

Saturday, December 18, 1999

Raiders: Out: DE Tony Bryant (ankle). Doubtful: S Eric Turner (calf). Probable: WR Terry Mickens (neck).

Buccaneers: Out: QB Trent Dilfer (shoulder); DE Steve White (toe). Doubtful: G Ken Blackman (knee). Questionable: LB Don Davis (hamstring). Probable: RB Mike Alstott (neck); WR Reidel Anthony (back); G Kevin Dogins (knee-ankle); RB Warrick Dunn (ankle); WR Bert Emanuel (back); WR Jacquez Green (foot); TE Dave Moore (knee).

Friday, December 17, 1999

Jon Gruden and Willie Shaw seemed engaged in a duel this past week to determine who's the more out of touch with reality.

First Shaw, whose defense has played poorly almost all season, made the dubious claim that the Raiders missed only 23 tackles against Tennessee. Uh, was that on the Titans' first play from scrimmage, Willie, or the second? I could have sworn the Raiders missed that many tackles in each of the four quarters . . .

Shaw attributed the horrible showing to fatigue. "That was a tired team," he said. "Four games in 18 days, flying 2,000 miles on Wednesday to play a game on Thursday, we were tired. At least that's what I'm attributing it to."

Fact is, the Raiders can't tackle, and despite a two-year opportunity to correct it, Shaw hasn't produced any improvement in that department. Fresh or tired, a defense that can't execute fundamentals like tackling won't be able to stop anyone. And a coach who can't teach players how to tackle belongs in the unemployment line.

Ah, but before you give Shaw the prize, Gruden also merits consideration. Following the Tennessee embarrassment he made one of his typical touchy-feely team affirmations—along the lines of, "Hey, we've had some disappointments this year, but I like this bunch of guys." (To my embarrassment I've lost the actual quote, but you catch the drift, I'm sure.)

Shades of Joe Bugel, who made losing seem positively comfortable. I commented on his tolerance for losing in a 1997 opinion piece, "Winning Is a State of Mind". I commend it to you even now because, sad to say, it's still apropós in 1999.

K Michael Husted has the lowest career percentage of all active NFL kickers. So, when he faltered, whom did the Raiders get in his place? Someone with an even lower career percentage, and coming off a complete knee reconstruction to boot. To wit, Joe Nedney. Go figure.

B.J. Cohen, listed as both a tight end and defensive lineman, was signed to the Raiders practice squad. Cohen played previously for Orlando of the Arena League.

Thursday, December 9, 1999

This observer's $.02 worth: the outcome of tonight's game will depend on the Raiders' open field tackling.

As a team the Raiders' tackling skills are poor, and have been at least since the return to Oakland. (How often do our safeties and linebackers get run over?) RB Eddie George shredded the Oakland defense two years ago, running over every Raider in his path. The defense will have to do more than arm tackle if it expects to stop Tennessee.

Derrick Walker, the team's best blocking tight end, was placed on injured reserve Tuesday after an MRI disclosed a torn medial collateral ligament in his knee.

S Johnnie Harris was promoted from the practice squad to fill the vacant roster slot. Harris, 6-2 and 210, made it to the final cut in training camp. He has Arena League experience—he was that league's Defensive Player of the Year for 1998—and was brought to Jon Gruden's attention during the offseason by his younger brother Jay, an Arena League coach.

Signed to the practice squad to replace Harris was T Eric Moss, the older brother of Minnesota WR Randy Moss. Moss, who played at Ohio State, goes 311 pounds.

How thoroughly has Barry Sims beaten out Gennaro DiNapoli for the starting role at right guard? DiNapoli, although dressed, never stepped onto the field during last Sunday's game.

Raiders: Out: DE Tony Bryant (ankle), S Eric Turner (calf). Probable: DE James Harris (back); RB Jermaine Williams (knee).

Titans: Questionable: DE Henry Ford (calf); RB Spencer George (groin); TE Jackie Harris (thumb); S Marcus Robertson (groin); T Jon Runyan (abdomen); WR Yancey Thigpen (ankle).

Friday, December 3, 1999

Raiders: Out: DE Tony Bryant (ankle); S Eric Turner (calf). Questionable: QB Rich Gannon (quadriceps/wrist); DT Russell Maryland (quadriceps); C Barret Robbins (ankle).

Seahawks: Out: LB DeShone Myles (knee). Doubtful: DT Sam Adams (knee); S Brian Walker (hamstring). Questionable: RB Mack Strong (neck); S Darryl Williams (hamstring).

Yesterday the Raiders waived WR Isaiah Mustafa from the practice squad and signed DE Ralph Hughes in his place.

Friday, November 26, 1999

Raiders: Probable: G Gennaro DiNapoli (ribs); DT Grady Jackson (shoulder); T Lincoln Kennedy (groin).

Chiefs: Questionable: RB Rashaan Shehee (knee/ankle). Probable: CB Juran Bolden (ankle); CB Cris Dishman (shoulder); C Tim Grunhard (knee/elbow); CB James Hasty (calf); LB Mike Maslowski (head); DT Chester McGlockton (knee); T Glenn Parker (back); K Pete Stoyanovich (back); T John Tait (ankle).

Former Raider great Daryle Lamonica—aka The Mad Bomber—was interviewed about the Heidi Game this week on NFL.com. Find the link here.

Thursday, November 25, 1999

If you'd like to express yourself to the ass who hit Lincoln Kennedy in the eye with his snowball, here's how to contact him:

Saturday, November 13, 1999

Raiders: Questionable: T Mo Collins (knee); G Gennaro DiNapoli (ribs); T Lincoln Kennedy (groin). Probable: QB Rich Gannon (wrist).

Chargers: Out: S Rodney Harrison (shoulder); RB Natrone Means (knee). Doubtful: LB Eric Hill (knee/foot). Questionable: LB Gerald Dixon (hand); RB Terrell Fletcher (shoulder); DE Al Fontenot (ankle); TE Alfred Pupunu.

OLB K.D. Williams practiced with the scout team the last several days, and has pretty clearly lost his starting job. Coaches felt he'd lost the intensity and focus that made him the star of training camp.

Coach Jon Gruden is being coy about who will replace Williams. He said yesterday that he could move Richard Harvey to the strong side and have rookie Eric Barton play the weak side; or start Travian Smith on the weak side, or Sam Sword . . . You get the idea.

T Lincoln Kennedy strained a groin muscle in practice Wednesday and did not practice yesterday. He's now listed as questionable. If he's unable to go tomorrow there will be some musical chairs in the offensive line.

The team is already shorthanded in the OL. Although Mo Collins is expected back as the starting left tackle, G Gennaro DiNapoli's ribs continue to bother him and it's not inconceivable that Darryl Ashmore might start in his place. Candidates to replace Kennedy, if necessary, include Ashmore and Barry Sims.

Wednesday, November 10, 1999

C Curtis Whitley, who was suspended by the NFL in June of last year for substance abuse, was reinstated this week.

Whitley, last on the Oakland roster, was granted a one-game roster exemption. The Raiders have apparently reached no decision on whether to activate Whitley or release him. They'll have to make that choice by Nov. 15.

Thursday, October 28, 1999

A list of 71 former players and coaches nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame was released yesterday. Ex-Raiders named for the first time are G Max Montoya, QB Jay Shredder (seriously!), and TE Ethan Horton.

Other former Raiders still eligible include QBs Ken Stabler and Jim Plunkett; TE Dave Casper; punter Ray Guy; CB Lester Hayes; coach John Madden; and DE Howie Long, who finished in the top 6 in last year's voting.

Other nominees who played at least one season with the Raiders include S Ronnie Lott, RB Roger Craig, and WR James Lofton.

Raiders: Doubtful: RB Tyrone Wheatley (low back). Questionable: T Mo Collins (knee); QB Rich Gannon (wrist); WR Kenny Shedd (knee). Probable: LB Greg Biekert (sternum).

Dolphins: Out: QB Dan Marino (cervical nerve root). Doubtful: LB Anthony Harris (groin); DE Kenny Mixon (abrasions/contusions). Questionable: G Mark Dixon (groin); TE Troy Drayton (toe); WR Yatil Green (hamstring); RB Rob Konrad (quadricep). Probable: S Shawn Wooden (thumb).

Wednesday, October 27, 1999

Despite QB Rich Gannon's optimistic appraisal, coach Jon Gruden indicated skepticism Monday that Gannon could play this weekend.

Gannon fractured a small bone in his left wrist on the TD play that won Sunday's game. Although it's his non-throwing arm, his ability to take snaps is still a concern.

Gannon said he didn't think the break needed any support and that he thought he could play with a soft cast. Gruden, however, saw it differently: "We are concerned right now. We list him as very questionable for the next game. We want to evaluate it further, research the injury and see if there's a soft cast he can wear. Can he take snaps? There are a lot of questions that need to be answered."

"Very questionable" normally translates to very doubtful. Gruden said that unless Gannon takes snaps and throws successfully during practices beginning today, backup quarterback Bobby Hoying will start against the Dolphins. Gruden did add, however, that "knowing Rich Gannon, he'll find a way to play".

The Raiders aren't providing a whole lot of detail about the extent of the low back injury suffered by RB Tyrone Wheatley. They've said only that an MRI performed on Monday showed "no severe damage". Gruden's comment: "Right now, it's up in the air. If the evaluations are negative and he's able to play, he'll play. All indications are positive right now."

WR Tim Brown was named the NFL's AFC Player of the Week. QB Rich Gannon was named the Miller Lite AFC Player of the Week.

Brown will be the guest on NFL.com's AFC conference call today at noon Pacific time.

Here today, gone tomorrow: T Siupeli Malamala, signed to the active roster on Oct. 13, was released yesterday. Offensive lineman Nathan Parks was promoted from the practice squad to fill the vacant roster spot. Parks played collegiately at Stanford.

Saturday, October 23, 1999

Raiders: Out: WR Kenny Shedd (knee). Questionable: T Mo Collins (knee); TE Derrick Walker (excused-personal absence). Probable: QB Rich Gannon (hip); DE James Harris (gastrointestinal illness); RB Napoleon Kaufman (hand); RB Tyrone Wheatley (shoulder).

Jets: Out: S Kevin Williams (throat-reserve, non-football illness). Doubtful: QB Ray Lucas (ankle). Questionable: S Steve Atwater (hamstring). Probable: DE Anthony Pleasant (ankle).

Thursday, October 21, 1999

Cut were RB Marlon Barnes, OL Jeremy Akers, and WR Rico Cannon. Signed to replace them were WRs Isaiah Mustafa and Shannon Myers and LB Bobby Brooks.

Wednesday, October 20, 1999

The Jets elected not to sign a third quarterback by yesterday's deadline, so the Raiders will see Rick Mirer at quarterback for New York on Sunday. That means the principal Jets' threat will be RB Curtis Martin, who gained 128 yards last weekend.

Barry Sims will probably start again for Oakland at left tackle. Sims played well enough against Buffalo that coach Jon Gruden has indicated he won't rush starter Mo Collins back into the lineup.

Tuesday, October 19, 1999

The Jets, down to only Rick Mirer and Tom Tupa at quarterback, might try to pick up another player by today's league trading deadline. The best journeymen available appear to be Scott Zolak and Craig Erickson.

Saturday, October 16, 1999

T Mo Collins was upgraded from doubtful to questionable. Still, Collins did not practice this week and will almost certainly not play Sunday. Also, LB Richard Harvey was removed from the injury list.

For Buffalo, Pro Bowlers Ted Washington (chest), the starting nose tackle, and LG Ruben Brown (hamstring) suddenly appeared listed as questionable. They were not listed earlier in the week. Coach Jon Gruden says he expects both to play.

Raiders personnel changes this week: CB Reginald Doster was cut from the practice squad and replaced by RB Marlon Barnes. Recently signed S Ty Talton was released from the active roster. Signed in his place was T Siupeli Mamalama, who was in Oakland's training camp.

This corrects the team's odd decision to carry only 8 offensive linemen after Matt Stinchcomb went on injured reserve. Rookie Barry Sims had been listed on the depth chart as the sole backup at left tackle and at both guard spots.

Where Are They Now Dept: Former Raiders draft pick S JoJuan Armour was signed to the Cincinnati practice squad yesterday after clearing waivers. Armour had previously been signed and then cut by Jacksonville after being released in Oakland's final pre-season cut. Cincinnati released Armour earlier this week.

Friday, October 15, 1999

Raiders: Doubtful: T Mo Collins (knee). Probable: TE Rickey Dudley (toe); LB Richard Harvey (shoulder); RB Napoleon Kaufman (hand); DT Darrell Russell (ankle); RB Tyrone Wheatley (shoulder).

Bills: Out: G Joe Panos (neck); RB Thurman Thomas (liver contusion). Questionable: QB Rob Johnson (head).

Saturday, October 9, 1999

To no one's surprise, tomorrow's game did not sell out by Thursday's 1:00 p.m. deadline and will be blacked out locally.

The final NFL injury report isn't yet available. Here's the preliminary, issued Wednesday:

Raiders: Questionable: QB Scott Dreisbach (leg); DE Lance Johnstone (shoulder); DT Darrell Russell (ankle).

Broncos: Out: RB Terrell Davis (knee-injured reserve); C K.C. Jones (knee). Questionable: S George Coghill (knee). Probable: LB Glenn Cadrez (shoulder); CB Dale Carter (eye); QB Brian Griese (finger); T Tony Jones (wrist); QB Chris Miller (elbow); G Dan Neil (elbow-wrist); DT Trevor Pryce (toe); G Mark Schlereth (back); WR Rod Smith (groin); DE Neil Smith (thigh); LB Wayne [sic] (knee-hand); DE Alfred Williams (back).

Bear in mind that ever since the league chastised Denver last season for failing to list all their injuries, the Donkeys have retaliated by listing half their roster as injured. No one will ever confuse Shorty Shanahan with a mature individual.

Sunday, October 3, 1999

There's one change in the injury report from Wednesday's preliminary list. Add to Seattle's Questionable list: WR Fabien Bownes (hamstring).

Where Are They Now Dept.: QB Pat Barnes signed with San Francisco yesterday.

At the start of September I neglected to mention here the debuts of two pre-game Raiders features which will continue throughout the season in the Bay Area.

On Sundays at 8:30 a.m., KPIX-TV (Ch. 5) is airing "Silver & Black Sundays." It's described thus on Raiders.com:

On Saturdays, Fox SportsNet (cable) will show "Behind the Shield." Air times for this program vary from week to week, so check your local listings or Raiders.com.

Wednesday, September 29, 1999

Raiders: Out: T Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder). Questionable: RB Zack Crockett (foot); RB Tyrone Wheatley (shoulder). Probable: T Mo Collins (back); QB Scott Dreisbach (leg); TE Rickey Dudley (toe); DT Darrell Russell (ankle).

Seahawks: Out: T Todd Weiner (ankle); WR Charles Jordan (hamstring). Questionable: S Merton Hanks (hamstring). Probable: P Jeff Feagles (elbow).

Where Are They Now Dept: Cleveland traded DT Jerry Ball to Minnesota yesterday. The Vikings also signed RB Rashaan Salaam.

Saturday, September 25, 1999

Raiders: Out: QB Scott Dreisbach (leg); T Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder). Questionable: RB Zack Crockett (foot). Probable: DT Darrell Russell (ankle).

Bears: Questionable: T Blake Brockermeyer (head); DT Jim Flanigan (hamstring); RB Ty Hallock (quadricep); LB Warrick Holdman (concussion). Probable: K Jeff Jaeger (hip).

Friday, September 10, 1999

RAIDERS: Out: QB Scott Dreisbach (leg); T Matt Stinchcomb (shoulder). Doubtful: RB Zack Crockett (foot). Probable: QB Wade Wilson (finger).

Packers: Probable: G Joe Andruzzi (knee); WR Corey Bradford (shoulder); TE Mark Chmura (neck); CB Tod McBride (hamstring); WR Bill Schroeder (shin).

Tuesday, September 7, 1999

This morning's Contra Costa Times quotes a team source as saying the Raiders will keep WR Rico Cannon and S Johnnie Harris on this year's practice squad.

Amazingly, as of 7:15 a.m. Pacific this morning the Raiders still have not announced the five players (or, more correctly, up to five players) for their practice squad.

What is known is that yesterday, three of the team's final cuts, including two draft picks, were claimed off waivers by other teams.

Cleveland claimed TE Randy Palmer from Texas A&I Kingsville. Coach Jon Gruden had spoken well of Palmer throughout the spring and summer. Then Philadelphia claimed WR Dameane Douglas. Finally, Jacksonville took S JoJuan Armour.

Monday, September 6, 1999

Yesterday's roster cutdown to 53 produced no stunners, at least if you'd previously read this observer's analysis. ;-)

The three big squeezes came at running back, wide receiver, and safety. At tailback, despite the wishful thinking of many fans that the Raiders would carry 6/7/pick-your-number backs on the roster, the team traditionally carries five. This year they're going to carry six because of the Zack Crockett situation. That meant Rashaan Salaam and Tyrone Wheatley were competing for the same job. Wheatley's slightly heavier, more explosive, and can return punts, so he got the job.

In fact, if and when Crockett's healthy again, and depending on injuries, it wouldn't surprise me if the Raiders cut a tailback (probably Wheatley) to sign someone at another position later in the season.

At wide receiver it came down to veteran Horace Copeland and loudmouth Dameane Douglas. Coach Jon Gruden didn't care one bit for Douglas's attitude and felt he made far too many mistakes. Fourth-round pick or not, Douglas was expendable. If he clears waivers, the Raiders might well put him on the practice squad. Whether he clears waivers will say a lot about how other NFL teams view Douglas's attitude. Can he leave his college career behind him and accept being a very little fish in a huge pond?

Finally, the safeties. Although a number of writers had suggested that Charles Mincy's job wasn't safe, in the end it boiled down to three rookies fighting for one job. A good performance against Arizona by Johnnie Harris was too little, too late. JoJuan Armour was making progress at learning to play safety but didn't take the world by storm. Marcus Ray was an easy choice by default. He played well consistently during the exhibition season and loves to hit.