SFGate: Raiders Silver and Black Blog

Higgins gets props

Raiders punt returner Johnnie Lee Higgins was named the AFC special teams player of the week Wednesday. He'd just the same share with the 10 blockers who made his 89-yard touchdown possible Sunday at Denver.

There was Michael Huff clearing the edge with a downfield block, when it would have been so easy to clip the guy instead. Sam Williams and Hiram Eugene cleared the aisle on the sideline. Jon Alston provided the helmet-free escort in the red zone with Marquis Cooper not far behind.

in other words, Higgins didn't score the second- and third-longest punt returns in franchise history on his own the past two games. All those non-starters who fans hardly recognize are making Higgins' job so easy in a season where nothing has come easy to the Raiders.

"They do the hard work," Higgins said.

Higgins has clearly punched himself together more time in the NFL. Little-used at receiver and not very good as a kick returner, punt returns should be his meal ticket for at least another season.

If he could develop as a route runner, he could become a poor man's version of Tim Brown -- the team's last punt returner to win the weekly special teams honor.

In other news of the day ...

** Sunday's game against the visiting Chiefs is a sellout, making the Raiders 5 for 6 in that department this season.

For the team to sellout a game featuring a 3-8 home team and 1-10 visitor, someone deserves an early Christmas bonus.

Tight end Zach Miller missed practice with a sore groin, which is more than enough information on that. It's amazing the block-first, catch-second player isn't more beat up after 11 games.

Raiders coach Tom Cable doesn't expect Miller to miss Sunday's game.

** Tuesday's paper included a story about how the Raiders are daring to dream playoffs. They're only 3-8, but the the 6-5 Broncos aren't exactly running away with it.

Before anyone takes that to Vegas, something to consider: no teams have made the playoffs with a losing record, so the Raiders would almost certainly have to win out just to finish 8-8.

Seven teams have made the playoffs with an 8-8 record but none had a losing record after 11 games. The Raiders are eliminated from wild-card contention, and only one 8-8 team has made it as a division champ.

So, if the Raiders somehow pull this off, it will be history indeed. For now, it'd be best to focus on something a little more attainable, like winning two straight for the first time all year.

** At least Cable has a firm grip on reality. He scoffed when someone asked about a potential letdown against the lowly Chiefs.

"That's ridiculous," Cable said. "First of all, we can't have a letdown of any kind because we haven't done anything."

** Injury-wise, the Raiders are in great shape. Center Jake Grove (calf) and outside linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) are the only ones still out.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 26 at 05:43 PM

Bush getting his full

Raiders coach Tom Cable said Michael Bush is really starting to take to his switch from running back to fullback. If only Bush acted so excited.

"It's something that I think he has really taken to now because it means him being involved now, being on the field more," Cable said Thursday, one day after Bush told reporters he isn't a fullback and would just the same never be one.

Bush's problem is he has no leverage. Justin Fargas is the starting running back. No. 4 overall draft pick Darren McFadden is the future. That leaves Bush in limbo as a fourth-round pick with two more years on his contract.

The Raiders have lost fullbacks Oren O'Neal and Justin Griffith to season-ending knee injuries. Jason Davis was waived this week, leaving Luke Lawton as the only fullback on the roster, so depth is an issue.

If Bush wants to play ball, he'd better play ball when it comes to doing what the coach says -- and Cable will be his coach for the next six games.

"When you're the third runner, you really only have one ball and that gives the chance for only two guys to handle it probably at this level," Cable said. "The third guy is the odd man out."

Not necessarily. Raiders offensive coordinator Greg Knapp believes this run-minded offense needs three quality running backs to survive a season. Last year, they bounced between LaMont Jordan, Justin Fargas and Dominic Rhodes as starters because of injuries.

This season, Fargas and McFadden have missed a combined five games to injury. Bush has been the healthy one, rushing 64 times for 240 yards and ranking second on the team with 18 receptions for 156 yards.

Cable said he's the best blocking back they have. But, if used right, he could be a run-and-catch option at fullback -- just like his position coach, Tom Rathman.

If nothing else, Bush could very easily move back to running back next season when the other fullbacks return, so this isn't the end of the world.

"Really, the bottom line is Michael sees himself as a runner, so when you ask him to do something different, he doesn't want to feel like, 'Geez, maybe I can't be a runner at this level,'" Cable said. "He can be. It's just a matter of where he is on the depth chart."

** On second thought ... if the Raiders really wanted a proven fullback, they could go sign one.

All they have to do is put wide receiver Javon Walker on the Injured Reserve. He had ankle surgery Friday and will not play again this season.

Yet, the Raiders have yet to clear a roster spot by putting him on the IR, which is kind of how this organization does things. Last year, it took almost three weeks for Jarrod Cooper to be IR'd after ACL surgery.

They also have a glaring need at offensive tackle, but Cable said their personnel department did not find one worth signing on the market.

"We will be making a move," Cable said. "It's just a matter of when here, trying to decide what's best first."

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 20 at 07:21 PM

Ins and outs of it all

Raiders coach Tom Cable announced several final decisions, and a few almost-final decisions, before the team headed to the airport for Sunday's game at Miami.

In order of importance:

** Quarterback: JaMarcus Russell "looks ready to go" after missing one game with knee tendonitis that turned into a bruised bone, Cable said.

His backup, Andrew Walter, remains limited with a sprained ankle. That could promote Marques Tuiasosopo to No. 2 for a day.

** Left tackle: Kwame Harris retained his starting job for another week after having to compete with Mario Henderson all week.

But, Cable still wants to split their playing time evenly, saying the competition has elevated the play of both players.

** Kick returner: After two practices with the team, newcomer Justin Miller was named the new kick returner.

Johnnie Lee Higgins will remain the punt returner.

** Wide receiver: Chaz Schilens will be a gameday decision with a sprained ankle. If he can't start, Ronald Curry will return to the starting lineup for the first time since Schilens bumped him four weeks ago.

Ashley Lelie will start at the other receiver spot for Javon Walker, who had a bone separation in his left ankle and was scheduled for surgery Friday.

** Still no defensive end Derrick Burgess, who will miss a sixth game with a strained tricep. That means more of the same from Jay Richardson (run downs) and Trevor Scott (passing downs).

** Lastly, John Wade will make his first start of the season at center. Jake Grove is week-to-week with a calf injury.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 14 at 12:47 PM

Javon Walker done for year

Raiders wide receiver Javon Walker said he is out for the rest of the season with a left ankle injury that will require surgery.

Walker told reporters about his season-ended status after Raiders coach Tom Cable met with reporters. The team will not have comment on Walker's situation until Cable meets again with reporters after practice Friday.

Walker his ankle during Sunday's 17-6 loss to the Panthers. He had 15 catches for 196 yards and one touchdown in eight games -- for which he was paid $13 million.

As far as bang per buck, that ranks right there with cornerback DeAngelo Hall making $8 million for eight games before he was cut last week.

More to come later ...

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 13 at 03:32 PM

Knapp gets benched

Raiders interim coach Tom Cable waited until everybody found out he benched play caller Greg Knapp to tell everyone he did exactly just that.

Cable confirmed local reports that he stripped Knapp of his play-calling duties on offense last week, taking over that chore himself in Sunday's 17-6 loss to the Panthers. This was Cable's first mention of the move, even though he was asked about the play calling twice since then.

The reason for the change: Cable is the one coaching for the permanent job. Since the offense wasn't working, he may as well take over the wheel since his tail is the one that's on the line.

"Last week I made a decision that I'm going to take that over, put that on my shoulders," Cable said after practice Wednesday. "It doesn't need to be on anyone else's shoulders. This is my responsibility so I need to be accountable for it."

Cable said the decision was his. Asked if owner Al Davis had any input, Cable said, "Actually, he had no input at all. We talked about it after I had done it."

Knapp didn't sound so convinced, and with good reason. Nothing gets down at 1220 Harbor Bay Parkway without Davis' input and approval. Just ask former coach Lane Kiffin, who tried to fire defensive coordinator Rob Ryan after last season.

"Tom Cable is the one who told me," Knapp said. "I know he does talk to the owner on a daily basis."

Asked if he thought this was Davis' call, Knapp talked his way out of answering the question.

"I don't know for sure so I'd hate to speculate on the question that might be directed one way or the other," Knapp said.

For Knapp's part, he was "surprised" and "disappointed" to get demoted after just four games. He worries this will only further stunt the already slow development of franchise quarterback JaMarcus Russell -- who said he had no idea there was a change in play callers until told by reporters Wednesday.

"In defense of a young quarterback, trying to help his growth, I think it's important that there's as many constants as you can have for a young quarterback's development," Knapp said. "It's important that you try to keep some consistency for him. So he'll be going through his third play caller now when he gets back on the field. I'm frustrated because I'm trying to help this guy develop and become a very good quarterback in this league."

He said Cable's decision was based on a 24-0 loss to the Falcons, when the offense had three first downs and 77 yards of total offense.

Cable now wears three hats -- head coach, play caller and offensive line coach. You can be sure Davis won't point the blame elsewhere much longer if this season continues to spiral.

Meanwhile, in the locker room, players reacted with indifference to just the latest twist in this season's roller coaster ride. However, one one team leader heard about Knapp's response and smiled, saying, "Go get 'em, Knapp."

Yep, just another day at the Raiders office.

Meanwhile, back on the field ...

** Defensive end Derrick Burgess (tricep) practiced for the first time in five weeks, albeit limited. Running back Darren McFadden (toe) and quarterback JaMarcus Russell (knee) were also limited.

** The Raiders claimed Jets cornerback/returner Justin Miller on waivers. He will immediately push struggling returner Johnnie Lee Higgins on punts and kicks.

To make way, they released tight end John Madsen for the second time this season. They also added quarterback Jeff Otis to the practice squad.

** Wide receiver Javon Walker is doubtful with an ankle injury that will require further testing before Cable says what's wrong. Ashley Lelie will move into his starting spot and former starter Ronald Curry, who was inactive last week, will get back in the rotation.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 12 at 05:53 PM

JaMarcus has bruised bone

Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell said he has a bruised bone in his right knee Monday, whereas coach Tom Cable has said it's a case of tendonitis since Thursday.

Russell does not know if he'll be able to play Sunday at Miami. He isn't able to plant or push off his foot using his right knee yet. With this offensive line, Russell will need his knee at full strength to stand a chance.

That means Andrew Walter will make a second straight start if Russell's knee doesn't get better by Friday.

Running back Darren McFadden remains out with turf toe on his big left toe. Defensive end Derrick Burgess has missed five games with a partially torn tricep and doesn't know when he'll be healthy enough to play.

Other than that, the Raiders are feeling just great.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 10 at 01:07 PM

Russell, McFadden out

Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell and running back Darren McFadden are on the inactive list for today's game against visiting Carolina.

Russell is out with knee tendonitis, which means Andrew Walter will make his first start since 2006. McFadden will miss his third straight game with a left toe injury, so it's just more of the same for Justin Fargas and Michael Bush.

Also, veteran wide receiver Ronald Curry will be inactive for the first time this year. The leading receiver the previous two seasons, Curry was benched last month when interim coach Tom Cable took over.

Curry, by the way, was voted an offensive team captain by his peers before the season. Now Cable won't even let him dress for a home game.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 09 at 11:57 AM

Russell update: questionable

Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is questionable for Sunday's game against the Panthers. By definition, that means there is a 50-50 chance Andrew Walter will make his first start since 2006.

Russell's right knee tendonitis can be traced back to LSU, Raiders coach Tom Cable said. It picked midseason to act up again, which is why Russell did not practice Friday.

He will be a game-day decision. The Raiders did everything they could to clamp down on any leaks on this one -- the last thing they want to do is give Carolina a head's up on this.

This very well may be the first fair chance Walter has gotten in the NFL. The Tom Walsh offense left him beaten silly with seven-step drops and 46 sacks in eight starts.

He played once last year, but that was coming off the freezing-cold bench in the fourth quarter of a blowout loss at Green Bay.

Then again, if Walter plays Sunday, he'll have Kwame Harris and Mario Henderson alternating at left tackle against defensive end Julius Peppers. Not sure that's very fair, either.

In other injury news:

** Rookie running back Darren McFadden went from two days of limited practice to no practice at all Friday. That makes him questionable, which is another way of saying he'll probably miss a third straight game with turf toe.

This injury is getting to the point they might consider shutting McFadden down and let his toes heal. The sooner they fall completely out of the sorry AFC West race, the sooner that becomes a viable option.

** Speaking of shutting it down, the Raiders still won't do that to defensive end Derrick Burgess, who hasn't practiced in five weeks with a torn tricep.

It's not a complete tear so surgery isn't an option. But, if he tries to play, it could completely tear. At some point, Injured Reserve has to be seriously considered.

** Outside linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) is doubtful, so Sam Williams will make his first start of the season. Strong safety Gibril Wilson (groin) is questionable, so Rashad Baker should be ready.

** Running back Michael Bush practiced returning kicks. With Tyvon Branch (shoulder) put on Injured Reserve this week, it looks like he'll be Johnnie Lee Higgin's backup.

** DeAngelo Hall signed with the Redskins. That certainly beats him going to the Patriots, as far as the Raiders are concerned.

The last thing they needed was for Hall, LaMont Jordan and Randy Moss all to come back next month and have a monster payback game at the Coliseum.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 07 at 04:27 PM

JaMarcus misses practice

Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell is not practicing today, a telltale sign his sudden case of right knee tendonitis is more than a minor annoyance.

Russell did not finish practice Thursday because of the knee but coach Tom Cable said it was just a precaution and that he would play Sunday against the visiting Panthers.

But, if the injury is serious enough to keep him out of the last practice of the week, it is serious enough to cast doubt on Russell's ability to play in two days.

Making matters worse, running back Darren McFadden was not on the field at the start of practice -- so it looks like three straight missed games for the No. 4 overall draft pick.

No Russell would mean the first start for Andrew Walter since the failed 2006 project. It also puts the Raiders in an awkward position.

Russell has struggled mightily since the Raiders fired Lane Kiffin after four games -- not that he was exactly light's out under Kiffin. What do the Raiders do if Walter steps in, lights up the Panthers and carries the Raiders to an upset victory?

Plenty of fans would want to stick with Walter as long as the Raiders are within two games of the AFC West lead. Chances of that happening are fat at best.

The minute Cable took over, this season became all about developing his arm and giving him playing experience. Al Davis won't likely budge on that stand.

More to come after practice.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 07 at 10:45 AM

Cable keeps it shaking

Hey, Oakland Raiders, what's shaking?

Answer: the entire roster.

Turns out now-former cornerback DeAngelo Hall wasn't the only one to get bowled over in this week's midseason shakeup. Raiders interim coach Tom Cable announced more lineup changes Thursday.

They are minor in comparison, but the message is clear: if the Raiders are going to play this bad on Cable's watch, it will be on his terms with the players of his choosing.

No more untouchable starters, which we knew when safety Michael Huff and receiver Ronald Curry got benched. No more untouchable contracts, which we learned when Hall got cut after $8 million in eight games.

Now, you've got left tackle Kwame Harris playing for his job. Second-year player Mario Henderson will split time with Harris in the first half of Sunday's game against the visiting Panthers.

Safety Rashad Baker, inactive in six of eight games, will gets looks in nickel package, presumably ahead of Huff.

Fans very well could look up and see the following players on defense at the same time: Baker, cornerback Chris Johnson, outside linebacker Sam Williams, defensive tackle William Joseph and cornerback Michael Waddell.

Now that's what you call sending a message, which is exactly what Cable wants to do at the midpoint of a 2-6 season.

"You want to get guys that are just giving you 100 percent effort all the time and really pulling for the football team," Cable said. "That's really what it is. Getting that attention is good. At the same time, make them compete, make them earn it every day is the next step as we do this."

It sounds nice, but comes with all sorts of residual effects.

Foremost, that lineup can't be considered superior to the 6-2 Panthers on Sunday, or anyone else down the road. It's a tough sell for Cable to tell the team he wants to win the AFC West still while using so many players who were second-team in training camp.

Secondly, Cable risks losing the locker room completely -- aside from those who are getting the unexpected promotions. Team captains like Nnamdi Asomugha and Ronald Curry carry serious sway. When they're not happy, you better believe those within their circle of influence are taking note.

This puts Cable in a no-win situation.

Even if he's making the moves Al Davis wants made -- and he couldn't do any of this without Davis giving the nod -- Davis will ultimately hold Cable responsible for the win-loss results when the season ends.

If Cable sticks with the most talented players regardless of how they do, they'll go 2-6 the second time through and he's out of an interim job just the same.

So, it looks Cable is doing this his way. We'll see how it works out soon enough.

** Not to bury something like at the bottom of a blog, but quarterback Jamarcus Russell kinda sorta is, umm, hurt.

Russell did not finish practice Thursday because of knee tendonitis, Cable said. Russell was not available for interviews but was seen away from the locker room with a wrap on his right knee.

Cable expects Russell to start Sunday. If he doesn't practice Friday, that's the time to start panicking.

** If the worst-case goes down, backup quarterback Andrew Walter would step in. Only, he was also limited Thursday because of ongoing trouble with a strained calf.

Walter was well enough to take the last eight first-team snaps Thursday.

** Running back Darren McFadden is still limited with a left toe injury. Cable hopes to know if McFadden can play by Friday.

Posted By: David White (Email) | Nov 06 at 06:28 PM