Report: Raiders likely to start QB Boller

Oakland Raiders head coach Hue Jackson said Friday he is still weighing who will start at quarterback Sunday against the Kansas City Chiefs, but all signs point to veteran Kyle Boller getting the nod, the NFL Network reported. Boller took the reps with the first-team offense for the third straight day, the San Jose Mercury News reported Friday, suggesting that Carson Palmer would not be the starter after arriving this week in a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals. The Raiders had hinted earlier in the week that they were planning to start Palmer despite the short preparation window. Jackson said he would mull the decision right up until Sunday morning before making the call. "I'm not in a rush. I'm going to watch the practice tape, sit down, meet with my staff, talk to upper management, Amy Trask and Mark Davis, and make the right decision," Jackson said Friday. Palmer, who retired this summer at age 31 after vowing never to play for the Bengals again, was acquired Tuesday from Cincinnati in an ambitious deal that sent Oakland's 2012 first round pick to the Bengals. The Raiders will also give up a second round pick in 2013 unless they make the AFC Championship Game this year, in which case the pick would become a first-rounder. "I'm getting prepared. I'm getting as prepared as I can," Palmer said Friday. "I'm excited about the opportunity (to be) just around the field, let alone get a chance to play." Though Palmer, a two-time Pro Bowler, will be the starter eventually, he was faced with just five days to learn the Raiders' offense and develop a rapport with the receivers. The Raiders have a bye in Week 8, meaning Palmer would be likely to debut as the starter Nov. 6 against the Denver Broncos after a full two weeks of work. Boller completed eight of 14 passes for 100 yards in the Raiders' 24-17 victory over Cleveland after starting QB Jason Campbell broke his collarbone. Meantime, the status of Raiders kicker Sebastian Janikowski is uncertain for Sunday's game. Jackson said Janikowski is dealing with a hamstring injury that flared up. The team brought in several free-agent kickers for tryouts Friday, according to the Mercury News. In the season-opener, Janikowski tied the NFL record with a 63-yard field goal and has connected on five of six field goals this season from 50 yards or longer.