Since defensive end Bobby Hamilton has started 29 games and been a locker room leader for the past two seasons, it's hard to tell whether the Raiders are phasing him out or merely getting a look at others because they already know what he can do.

The Raiders gave Hamilton's position to Tyler Brayton when Art Shell was hired as head coach, and there has been no indication that Hamilton has any chance of winning the job back.

Hamilton is a stand-up, base end who comes off the field on passing downs. His play during training camp and the pre-season has largely been with the second and third teams, although he has seen time on the first team short-yardage unit.

If the Raiders make a decided effort to go young, Hamilton could be unemployed on the final day of cuts.

--Safety Hiram Eugene intercepted a pass in the end zone to preserve a preseason win against Minnesota, and although he would still appear to be a long shot to make the roster, his play during camp and preseason games is keeping him alive.

--Left guard Barry Sims missed the Raiders game against the 49ers with an inflamed elbow. Sims didn't believe the injury was serious, and the reason he was held out is because the Raiders don't appear to have much depth up front. Corey Hulsey took his place as a starter.

--Middle linebacker Ryan Riddle, an edge player in college and a solid player on special teams, has gotten plenty of work in the middle. If the Raiders decide to part ways with 2004-05 starter Danny Clark -- who has been replaced by Kirk Morrison -- Riddle could stick on the roster for the second consecutive year.

--Tight end Randal Williams, a converted wide receiver who is still listed at 235 pounds but who appears to have gained considerable weight, played against Minnesota and was the target of at least three intended passes. It is not clear whether Williams, a special teams standout, has retained the skills which made him one of the better gunners on kick coverage in the league.

--LB Robert Thomas, a former first-round pick, returned to practice and will make a belated attempt to make the team as an inside linebacker. If Thomas fares well, the Raiders could decide to part ways with veteran Danny Clark.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK
John Paul Foschi vs. Zack Crockett for starting fullback. They're not battling each other for a specific position, but possibly for a roster spot. Both are listed as fullbacks, but Foschi is strictly a block-and-catch back while Crockett's strength is in short-yardage and in running out of a tailback position. If the Raiders decide on starter LaMont Jordan or Justin Fargas in a running back role, and are committed to going younger, Crockett could be in danger.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS
Langston Walker vs. Brad Badger at right tackle. Badger could be the fallback position if Walker continues to struggle, unless Chad Slaughter moves from left to right.

--Johnnie Morant vs. Jerry Porter for No. 3 wide receiver. Morant's 67-yard scoring catch won't hurt his chances, and neither will Porter's wishes to be elsewhere.

--Tommy Kelly vs. Terdell Sands for starting defensive tackle. Both are going to play, but one will start alongside Warren Sapp. Kelly is a better at getting into the backfield, but Sands can stand his ground -- an important skill in the run-heavy AFC West.

--Kevin Huntley vs. Lance Johnstone at defensive end. They often play on opposite sides, but if Oakland thinks Johnstone's pass rushing skills are too far and in between Huntley could gain a roster spot.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Cornerback Stanford Routt has shown the ability of late to break up passes long and short and may be given the Raiders cause to give him the job as a slot corner they had seemingly ceded to Tyrone Poole.

ROOKIE REPORT
SS Michael Huff (first round) is now the unquestioned starter, but had a conspicuous whiff against Minnesota's Chester Taylor in the box and in practice was beaten deep by Marcellus Rivers when he didn't turn around in time for the pass; LB Thomas Howard (second round) continues to show the speed necessary to overrun an doubts that he should start as a rookie; G Paul McQuistan (third round) seems to have no challengers as the starter at right guard; LB Darnell Bing (fourth round) continues to play on some specialty defenses and on special teams; G Kevin Boothe (sixth round) backs up McQuistan and could make the roster, but could be inactive a majority of the time; C Chris Morris (seventh round) is bound for the practice squad unless the Raiders decide 10-year vet Adam Treu has had enough; WR Kevin McMahan (seventh round) appears headed toward the cut list much as previous Mr. Irrelevant picks Ryan Hoag and Andre Sommersell; WR Will Buchanon (free agent) cooled off after an eye-opening training camp; TE John Madsen (free agent) remains in the mix at a position that appears muddled after starter Courtney Anderson.

Copyright (C) 2006 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.