08-04-11 5:33 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales

MLB Rolando McClain

2nd yr MLB Rolando McClain remained on the side line for todays practice with an undisclosed injury. WR Louis Murphy also sat.
This was his third day on the bench.

Coach Jackson said both injuries were minor and that newly signed TE Kevin Boss will be at practice Saturday.

QB Jason Campbell is not injured. He's been throwing alot this campand is giving his arm a day off.

With RBs Michael Bennett and rookie Taiwan Jones still injured as well, veteran Rock Cartwright and Louis Rankin joined forcesto man the back field.

Rankin has been impressive so far in camp after a brief stint in Seattle rejoining the Raiders.

Former NY TE Kevin Boss did signwith Oaklandit was announced today but he was not on the pratice field. His $16 million dollar contract ($8 million guaranteed) is under the entirety of former Raider, now Seahawk TE Zach Miller whose 5 yr, $32 million dollar deal guaranteed him $17 million.

Boss under went arthroscopic surgery on his hip last season but apparently cleared Oakland medical.

Speaking of injuries, 2nd yr OT Bruce Campbell was seen working out briskly with LB Trevor Scott. Both had knee issues with Scott's ligament tear last year the worse of the two.

Rookies continue to make their case with 5th round pick Denarius Moore hauling in a TD pass over a stunned DeMarcus Van Dyke. CB Sterling Moore snagged his second pick of camp today and looks like the best UDFA of the off season so far.

OL Roy Shuening is making some noiseand garnering reps while RG Cooper Carlisle is out with a "nick".

He's been making plays and taking noquarter after being involved in a brawl today.

Kudos to veteran DT Big John Henderson who chased ball carries all over the field today.

WR/TE rookie David Ausberry snags a deep ball over the middle to end the session.

Good practice today.

Practice Notes
Day Eight
*McFadden injury update

08-04-11 4:37 pm pac

Photo Seymour Mario Sanchez / AP "His Royal Majesty"

Day Eight:
Noble sacrifice. Young Blood.

Word of King Richard Seymour re-structuring his deal leaked out and we reported it as such but those rumors have been confirmed and as Oakland headed into practice on day 8 they could rest a little easier knowing they will be able to make it under cap by tomorrows extended deadline.

Enough can't be said about King Richard's magnanimous offer to restructure his deal for the good of the team.

It is NOT all about money. Its about what best for the team and building a legacy to be proud of because after the roar of the crowd dies down and the money dwindles all players are really left with is their pride. And thats worth more than all the Kingdom's gold.

And Super Bowl rings.

Yeah. That too...

CB Stanford Routt knows that too. Or he's just scared of Richard. The heir apparent to Nnamdi restructured his generous deal as well and set a precedent for this team and organization.

Of course speculation begins immmediately on whether Oakland will use that freed up money to re-sign RFA RB Michael Bush, sign NY TE Kevin Boss or some how do both.

Bush's return should be the more likely of the 3 but as expected, he nor Boss were anywhere near todays practice field.

There were as many dinged up players off the field as there were on as new hires and returning vets trotted out for todays session.

RB Taiwan Jones and WR Louis Murphy were on stationary bikes and there was no early sign of RB Darren McFaddenor back up RB Michael Bennett. Filling in were Louis Rankin and our man Rock Cartwright.

WR Denarius Moore is looking like a game changer. Imagine what the Raider O could do with a hyper productive receiver on the field? Another amazing practice highlighted by a spectacular back of the end zone TD grab over the double coverage of DVD and Stevie Brown.

Some question whether 5th round pick Moore is that good or our DBs are that bad.

We don't and haven't. A tiny bit of "we told you so" in order.

Safety Hiram Eugene gained a little of the Secondaries respectability back with a nice pick toward the end of practice.

After yesterdays dissapointing performance Oakland looked inspired.

During practice RG Cooper Carlisle got banged up and even more alramingly so did 2nd yr MLB Rolando McClain.

We'll keep you posted but Oakland is notoriously tight lipped.

Among those taking the field for the first time this year were DE JarvisMoss, DT Desmond Bryant, OT Stephon Heyer, C Samson Satele, LB Sam Williams, RB Marcel Reece, S Michael Huff and OTs Khalif Barnes and veteran Justin Smiley.

Even with theall the new veterans taking the field itwas a recent O line addition that has people looking and thats rookie OT Joseph Barksdale. Another of the early favorites we told you about.

The 6-4, 325 pounder told everyone he was there to snag a starting spot and he very well may be.

Oakland has suffered lo' these long years for want of a solid Right Tackle.

Barksdale may be working his way toward that.

3 horns. Practice over...

BREAKING: Running Back Darren McFadden is out with a broken orbital bone. Depending on the seriousness of the injury McFadden may be sidelined or even have his career threatened. Anything dealing with a players vision is serious and in the least means McFadden won't be able to fly at least in the near future.

Practice Notes
Day Seven

08-03-11 5:48 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales Rookie WR Denarius Moore

After an eventful day off from practice, things got back on track with a vengeance.

WR Denarius Moore scorched CB Stanford Routt on3 seperate plays, first a slant, a curl and then deep down field.

Before we panic and lament the loss of Nnamdi, Moore has been lookinggood.We've been touting the talented Wide Outs receiving skills and it looks like today he's finally settling in at this level. At leastin camp.

Very impressive day for the rookie.

Much has been made of the appearance of Giants TE Kevin Boss who worked out, ran patterns and will likely be signed by the Oakland Raiders.

"He has characteristics we're looking for." said HC Hue Jackson.

Maybe those characteristics are not talking to Tom Cable.

Of course Zach Miller was shipped off to Seattle yesterday signing a 5 yr$32 Million dollar contract ($17 million guaranteed) with the Seahawks and joining former Raider HC Tom Cable who is said to be largely responsible for "stealing"the Pro Bowl alternatefrom Al Davis.

If we end up signing anything similar for Boss you can imagine maybe some kind of animosity against Miller for being a
Cable guy or simply that we felt Miller wasn't worth that kind of money and Boss is...or anything in between. God love Al Davis...

Of course we stand by our earlier story "the Saunders Strategy" though some will point to a Boss signing as vindication that they were right and we were wrong but we say not so fast.

Boss is clearly a better blocker than Miller and its a bonus he can catch but adding the very McFaddenesque RB Taiwan Jones in the draft last April points to a Marshall Faulkian Saunders system than it does a Tony Gonzales / Kevin Boss based offensive scheme.

Either way, expect the former NY TE to be signed shortly.

Time will tell and its part of the fun of football, especially if your an Oakland Raider fan.

WR Darius Heyward Bey made his first practice field appearance and we'll likely never know what mystery ailment or injury kept him off it.

We reported earlier thatWR Louis Murphy was receiving accupuncture treatments earlier in the day. After a solid camp so far, he watched from the sidelines.

We'd say he's being rested but yesterday was a day off. Might be dinged.

Running back Darren McFadden reportedly nicked after violent but effect blitz pick up on LB Quentin Groves.

We'll keep you posted.

RG Cooper Carlisle was MIA,nicked up too. He may be reworking hiscontract this afternoon .

OT Mario Henderson actually DID sign adeal with Oakland for$1.7 million but showed upoverweight voiding the deal. We knew he loved junk food but c'mon!

Possibly worrisome news at the Center position. Second round DP Stephen Wisniewski amy not be quite NFL ready.

We we're alarmed when DT Big John Henderson plowed Wizzer into the backfield 5 yds deep on consecutive plays but even more alarming is the sudden re-signing of last years Center Smason Satele and HC Hue Jackson's comment moments ago that Satele would now compete with Wisniewski for the starting job.

Before the season Hue annointed him the starter game one.

He still may be but it certainly doesn't seem like a lock now.

Oaklands O line one big question mark.

We'll keep you posted on injury updates, Boss and everything else Raider we an think of...

Practice Notes
Day Five

08-01-11 5:15 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales

Participation in todays practice was a little light including the usual cast of characters, DHB, Bruce Campell and Taiwan Jones but also missing was newly minted multi-millionaire LB Kamerion Wimbley.

His new 5-year $48 million dollar contract($29 million guaranteed) means, under the new CBA, that he is not allowed to practice until the 4th.

He's now paid more, but less mouthy than, James Harrison.

It also means CB Nnamdi Asomugha could've signed with Oakland and chose not to. He mentioned in his Eagles press conference money was not the main factor and now we know for sure it wasn't.

Is that a slap in the face? Yes. Yes it is, but its also a business and thats the way of it.

Rookie CB Chimdi Chekwa was on the field today and without a sling but he's still dinged up. Jacoby Ford was in attendance too with a small cast on his broken hand.

HC Hue Jackson likes the inteligence and leadership he sees in 2nd yr MLB Rolando McClain.

So do we.

Wimbley's contract could mean LB Lofa Tatupu's visit may have been in vain. The former Seahawk cap casualty is scheduled for a visit to D.C. later in the week.

Rookie draft pick Richard Gordon seeking to take advantage of Zach Miller's journey to Seattle. Several nice catch and run plays make him stand out.

McClain and veteran RB/Special Teams ace Rock Cartwright got into it with four hard hitting exchanges. Cartwright's 5-8, 215, McClain's 6-3, 255.

No quit in the Rock. He looks to lead the Raiders Special Teams like he did last year turning in play after game changing play.

Rock spent alot of time last season soaking sore muscles in the ice tub and we bet he's got an hour or two scheduled today.

Thank you Mr. Cartwright for being an unsung work horse. Its players like the former 7th rnd draft pick as much as anyone else who help mold Champions through selfless dedication and leadership by example.

07-31-11 5:12 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales HC Hue Jackson

Rookie CB Chimdi Chekwa was at practice today but watching from the sidelines...and wearing a sling. The shoulder injury he suffered yesterday will slow his learning process but probably isn't the reason Oaklands in pursuit of Jets CB Antonio Cromartie.

The Raiders need veteran presence with the departure of Nnamdi Asomugha and the pursuit of Cromartie and todays re-signing of Safety Michael Huff is a good start.

Huff joined also recently signed team mate OT Khalif Barnes on the sidelines watching todays session which was less intense and more intensive than the last three days. Until 8 on 9 drills.

WR Louis Murphy scorched 2nd yr DB Jeremy Ware by nearly 20 yds after Ware bit on a play fake.

Murphy has looked good so far, better than DHB who seemed bewildered when his "toothache" response to an inquiry about his inability to pass medical was taken seriously.

Bey was sidelined last year during pre season for reasons that still remain unclear.

What is clear is that one of our favorite rookie pick ups, WR Denarius Moore, is starting to give Murphy some comeptition.

Its cliche' but we do want Moore.

Bey was joined on the sidelines by 2nd yr OT Bruce Campbell and rookie RB Taiwan Jones. Jones has a hammy or groin strain.

WR Chaz Schilens threw his bid with a nice practicehigh-lightedbyan over the shoulder snag on a deep strike down the right sideline.

With the departure of N namdi Asomugha to greener pastures in Philly, Oakland is looking at Jets CB Antonio Cromatrtie. The Jets were said to be furiously making trades to get under the salary cap to pay Cromartie.

Makes me want him even more...

Nnamdi pretty much stated money was not the issue and that "other teams" would've given him more money *ahem* Oakland *cough* and alluded to the fact he wanted to play on a team with a shot at a title. Apparently he feels that isn't Oakland.

We don't think Philly is either.

* UPDATE: WR Jacoby Ford broke his hand. Coach Jackson says out two weeks. Jackson says "He'll be fine." Ford says he noticed it hurting yesterday.

Practice Notes
Day Three

07-30-11 5:39 pm pac

Photo Tony Gonzales

Day three of Raider practice started with newly re-signed Raider FB Marcel Reece making catches on the sideline. As we reported earlier, Reece joins a host of Raiders who re-signed. Two that didn't are FA TE Zach Miller and OT Jared Gaither who apparently failed the Oakland medical. The Raiders re-signed OT Khalif Barnes instead.

One day after the departure of CB Nnamdi Asomugha rookie CB Chimdi Chekwa pops his shoulder out and headed off the field. We'll keep you posted...

Rookie Lineman Joseph Barksdale looking good against super quick DE Lamarr Houston. We like this guy and he may have been onto something when he stated boldy before camp that he was going to takea starting slot.

RB Darren McFadden blowing the doors off people. He's the best camp RB in the game. Last year it translated to the field. We hope it does again this year.

Rookie RB Taiwan Jones has had it rough these last 3 days. He's been leveled a total of 4 times. After todays pasting by Rolando McClain, Tai was seen on the sideline wearing a ball cap.

For what its worth 3 practices in, Tyvon Branch is back at Free Safety again today. Mike Mitchell at SS. Don't count out Stevie Brown.

Several minor brawls break out. Guys competing.

Rookie Center Stephen Wisniewski man handled twice in a row by Big John Henderson. He'll get it. Better now than later.

Big Richard Seymour screamed at by Coaches for hitting QB Jason Campbell. Seymour does that shoulder shrug thing he does. He's a bad man...

WR/PR Nick Miller with a nice grab, same with WR Chaz Schilens on a slant in tight coverage. If he can stay healthy we've got a #1.
Thats it for practice 3.

More to come...

Gaither a go or No?

07-29-11 6:07 pm pac

Rumor has it Tackle Jared Gaither has joined the Raiders, but as we learned yesterday, those that jump the gun often eat a bullet.

We held off on the story until we could check with our sources and they told us that no, in fact, Mr. Gaither was NOT an Oakland Raider.

At least not yet...

Word that Oakland has been interested in Gaither isnt new, but this afternoons announcement that he had already signed was swiftly denied by our people and Gaithers agent Drew Rosenhaus.

Whether Gaither is a Raider or not we dont know but it might make sense because Tackle Bruce Campbell, a second year man, apparently had trouble passing a physical and was placed on the "non football injury" list. The day before Coach Hue Jackson said he may join Trevor Scott on the PUP or "Physically Unable to Perform" list.

No word on his condition or time frame.

If Campbell is indeed down for a while the addition of Gaither could prove a boon but only if hes healthy.

Gaither missed 5 games in 2009 with a host of injuries and all of 2010 with what turned out to be a legitmate injury.

There were some discussion in Balitimore that the unhappy Gaither was dogging it because his play had slipped and hed been replaced in the starting line after being demoted from Left Tackle to Right.

As of now, Gaither has been given a clean bill of health but his attitude could be a bigger question than his back.

Ravens staff claimed Gaither was unhappy about not getting a contract extension early in 2010 and that his attendance during that years pre season conditioning program was erratic. When the Ravens did move Gaither from left to right tackle at the start of mini-camps, he injured his foot and missed most of the off season practices.

He did show up for training camp looking ready to play but on Aug. 5 2010, he suffered a thoracic disk injury. Ravens doctors couldn't find anything wrong with him, according to then coach John Harbaugh, but Gaither's back specialist in California wouldn't clear him to play.

It looks like Gaithers situation in Balitmore was simply untennable and Oakland is known for giving players a chance to re-ignite their careers.

If big Jared Gaither could do that and live up to his vast potential while staying healthy and viable Oakland has a chance to go deep into the play offs.

Of course, once and if he ever signs...

*UPDATE: The simple answer to the question "Gaither Go or No" is "Go."

And No.

Our sources who spotted Gaither at a local hotel (He's pretty hard to miss) were right. Gaither is in town but no, he isn't a Raider...not yet.

While Gaither was at practice today he was there as an observer and Jackson indicated that Gaither has NOT signed a deal with the Raiders as of the time of this writing.

Indications are Oakland is going to be as thourough as they can with gaither's medical exam before signing him.

Shrewd move since Gaither's missed alot of time the last 2 yrs.

Reports are though, short of a "twisted spine" Gaither's as good as signed.

Coach Hue Jackson hinted Gaither might play Left Tackle which could mean last years rookie Left Tackle Jared Veldheer may slide over to the Right side.

Practice Notes
Day One

07-28-11 7:07 pm pac
Back up QB Kyle Boller

QB Jason Campbell looked rusty as the day began.

WR Darrius Heyward Bey and 2nd yr O lineman Bruce Campebll watched from the sidelines. Coaches later confirmed they are injured withDHB expected to return first.

*UPDATE: HC Hue Jackson said Bruce Campbell may be joining DE Trevor Scott on the Physically Unable to Perform or PUP list. No word on his injury.

Wow...

Despite being reported by USA Today, Rotoworld and US that CB Chris Johnson and RG Cooper Carlisle had been cut, both men were reported on field for todays practice.

They may have been cut in order to simply restructure their contracts but NFL Network reported the "news" too.

Raider DT Tommy Kelly looked to be in great shape. The 6-6, 300 lb Kelly had 57 tackles and 7 sacks last season.

WR Chaz Schilens was rumored to be wearing a walking boot last March.

He looked good running routes this afternoon.

MLB Rolando McClain looks good and indifferent to the press as usual. We love it. :)

DMC like he always does in camp, looked sharp.

WR's Louis Murphy and Jacoby Ford earning praise from hyper active new Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders. Murphy, for an over the shoulder catch and Ford for down field blocking.

Though 64 yrs old, Saunders could literally run many of these players into the ground. He runs 5 marathons a year. 3 for "practice" and 2 competetively. Yikes!

In 11 on 11 no pads drills DT Richard Seymour blasted rookie RB Taiwan Jones. "Say hello to my lil' fren..." Coach Hue Jackson loved it.

Big John Henderson limped off the field. We'll keep you posted. Doesn't appear major but neither did his foot injury against the Rams and it turned out to be broken.

QB Kyle Boller was picked off by CB Stanford Routt. He's the man in line to replace Nnamdi if he departs.

He was quickly scorched twice in a row by speedy Jacoby Ford.

Nnamdi, please stay...

2nd yr DE Lamarr Houston visibly disappointed when practice ended. "Was just starting to have fun!"

Us too...

"Despite injuries and work ethic concerns Oakland seems interested to know if..."

   Gaither can be Good

07-26-11 11:10 pm        

                                                                                                      Tackle Jared Gaither

Raider fans who've drooled over the thought of Big Jared Gaither coming to Oakland may get their wish.

Sources report the 6-9, 340 lb behemoth was contacted by Oakland last night and that they may be willing to make a deal for the oft injured and sometimes troubled Lineman.

Despite his obvious physical attributes Gaither wasn't an immeditate choice because of academic reasons. Booted from the Maryland Terps his Junior year, Gaither declared for the NFL draft.

Gaither was picked up by the Baltimore Ravens in the 5th round of the supplemental draft.

Thats right, supplemental draft. 

Given his attributes and potential the Ravens looked like they'd made the steal of the decade.

In pre season 2008 Gaither was declared starting Left Tackle and played surprisingly well but nagging injuries and questions about his attitude saw him lose his starting job to "The Blindside" phenom Michael Oher.

Unhappy with being bumped to Right Tackle Gaither's work ethic was called further into question when he showed up at Raven's camp 30 lbs lighter. He later admited he'd lost weight too drastically. He then suffered a back injury that saw him miss the entire 2010 season.

Fortunately for Gaither he'd signed a 1 yr $2.396 million dollar deal prior to being injured and out for the year.

Fortunately for the Ravens, they plugged in Guard Marshall Yanda at Right Tackle where he played so well the attitude stricken and oft injured Gaither became expendable.

When the Ravens traded up for Lineman Jah Ried in the 3rd round of last years draft the writing was on the wall. Baltimore was unlikely to re-sign the talent laden but questionably motivated Gaither.

Oakland has dealt with Gaither's agent Drew Rosenhaus before and he claims Gaither's thoracic disc injury in his back is 100% healed and that his client is ready to play.

There is no question the Ravens were a better O line with Gaither on the field, it was just keeping him on it and limiting his damage off it that became a problem.

If Oakland does sign him, Gaither, along with 2nd yr Raider Left Tackle Jared Veldheer could give the Raiders the tallest book ends in the League at 6-8 and 6-9 respectively.

Gaither's the type of mauler Oakland has been missing since the Gruden era and would be a perfect fit for the Raiders "Build a Bully" project but only if they can keep him happy, healthy and on the field.

In his favor, Gaither has worked with new HC Hue Jackson and new Raider OC Al Saunders before, both during their tenures in Baltimore.

That means one or both of them probably signed off on pursuing the hulking Free Agent.

If he joins Oakland and lives up to his potential, Running Backs Darren McFadden, Michael Bush and Taiwan Jones could combine to become one of the most feared backfields in the League.

IF... 

"With a condensed Free Agency period meaning lightning fast deals expected this Friday, Oakland and its fans are wondering out of the many Raiders on the block..."

 Who will Stay and Who
             Will Go?

"With the ink drying on a new CBA Oakland turns its attention to retetntion. Who will stay and who will go as players re-sign or hit the open market?"

      Free Agent Frenzy