WR Drew Carter, signed as a free agent from the Carolina Panthers, has been Oakland's most consistent offseason receiver. Coach Lane Kiffin said Carter has been the first to develop the sort of relationship in terms of timing and familiarity with Russell that will be crucial to the Oakland offense. "I've got to get a good rapport with JaMarcus and right now I feel that way," Carter said. "Since Day 1, it's been me and him out there, catching. I know I feel comfortable with him and I hope he feels that way with me." Besides a chance at playing time, Carter said the possibility of playing with Russell was part of the reason he signed with Oakland. Getting used to Russell's powerful throwing arm after the softer tosses of Jake Delhomme in Carolina hasn't been difficult, Carter said. "You're waiting on the ball, you're not really stagnant," Carter said. "When you're coming out of your break the ball is already there. It helps, because you don't really want to wait for a ball with a defensive back on your back or have to slow down on a deep ball." 06/05/2008

Carter was placed on the injured reserve Monday.
08/25/2008