Roster

Raiders coach Tom Cable said WR Javon Walker recently informed the team that he underwent knee surgery and won't be ready until training camp. Walker missed the second half of last season because of an ankle injury.

Ankle - Questionable for start of training camp

Oakland placed rookie WR Arman Shields on injured reserve on Saturday in order to help getting down its roster to 53 players.

The Contra Costa Times reports Raiders RB Darren McFadden should be in line for a good year. The report says that "for the most part, the Darren McFadden who took the field for the Raiders as a rookie was a shell of himself. The explosion is back, and the things McFadden ought to be able to accomplish catching passes out of the backfield and in the slot should give the Raiders something to hang their hat on in the passing game until the deep game comes around."

Shoulder - Probable for start of training camp

Oakland Raiders receiver Ashley Lelie will miss the final two games of the season because of a calf injury. The team activated tight end Darrell Strong from the practice squad Saturday.

The Oakland Raiders have bolstered their backfield by signing FB Lorenzo Neal and RB Gary Russell. The Raiders weren't able to find a fullback in the draft, so they signed Neal, who is considered to be one of the best blocking backs in the NFL. The 16-year veteran spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens. Russell spent two seasons in Pittsburgh, rushing for 98 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored the Steelers' first touchdown in their Super Bowl XLIII victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Press Democrat reports Raiders rookie WR Louis Murphy is having trouble learning the playbook. Murphy said coach Tom Cable's playbook is surprisingly similar to Urban Meyer's at Florida, but that the terminology is challenging him. As is stands now, Murphy would be a reserve WR for the Raiders behind potential starters Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens. Murphy will compete for playing time with fellow rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey and veteran Javon Walker.

WR Jonathan Holland, WR Todd Watkins, RB Michael Bush and TE Tony Stewart all failed to record a star Week 16 against Houston.

Oakland safety Jarrod Cooper was waived on Monday and intends to retire, one of a flurry of moves the Raiders made to deal with injuries and an upcoming deadline for roster cuts. Oakland also waived linebacker Grant Irons and defensive end Greg Spires, and placed receiver Drew Carter, fullback Oren O'Neal and cornerback John Bowie on injured reserve with season-ending injuries. The Raiders also claimed fullback Luke Lawton off waivers and signed safety Marviel Underwood.

The Oakland Raiders have signed safety Keith Davis to add needed depth to the safety position. Davis entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with Dallas in 2002. He spent his entire career with the Cowboys before becoming a free agent this offseason and signing with the Raiders on Thursday. Davis has made 31 starts and played 84 games in his career, with 72 tackles and six passes defensed. Hiram Eugene is the only returning starter at safety for the Raiders. He is joined by former first-round pick Michael Huff, who lost his job to Eugene last year, second-year player Tyvon Branch and rookie Mike Mitchell.

The Contra Costa Times reports Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell will start this year ahead of Jeff Garcia. Even though Russell has struggled this offseason, Russell will still hold the job. The report says Russell would have to do "a faceplant of major proportions" to lose the starter's spot. Russell's last six games of the 2008 season carry considerably more weight than some shaky non-contact practices this summer.

The Raiders have announced that they claimed QB Bruce Gradkowski off of waivers from the Browns. Gradkowski, a four-year NFL veteran, is expected to compete for a backup job behind JaMarcus Russell in training camp this summer.

Seattle waived WR Samie Parker on Saturday. Parker was one of two players the Seahawks signed this week to play receiver, but he had no experience with Seattle's offense or its terminology.

Oakland signed FB Luke Lawton, who had four catches in the final preseason game, Wednesday. He will serve as the backup to Justin Griffith. To make room on the roster, the team waived-injured LB Robert Thomas (knee). Oakland also signed DL Derrick Gray to practice squad and released P Glenn Pakulak.

The Giants on Tuesday waived receiver Michael Jennings and waived safety Terrance Stringer from the injured list. Safety Craig Dahl was waived injured on Monday. Receiver D.J. Hall and safety Miguel Scott were also waived.

The Contra Costa Times reports Raiders WR Chaz Schilens has made quite an impression. In fact, the report states, "Chaz Schilens is the Raiders best wide receiver." Schilens showed plenty in earlier sessions during OTA workouts to outperform Johnnie Lee Higgins, Javon Walker and rookie Darrius Heyward-Bey, who is battling a hamstring problem. The reports says Schilens is "a go-up-and-get it receiver who should be the go-to guy should (JaMarcus) Russell get enough time to throw on third-and-long."

WR Jonathan Holland, WR Todd Watkins, RB Michael Bush and TE Tony Stewart all failed to record a star Week 16 against Houston.

WR Jonathan Holland, WR Todd Watkins, RB Michael Bush and TE Tony Stewart all failed to record a star Week 16 against Houston.

According to the Oakland Raiders official team site, they have added international player and defensive tackle Mauricio Lopez, who will spend the entire 2008 season with the Silver and Black as part of the NFL International Practice Squad Program.

Notable Week 12 inactives from the Raiders-Chiefs game include: Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell (No. 3/emergency QB), DB Stuart Schweigert, QB Andrew Walter, DB John Bowie, LB Isaiah Ekejiuba and DL Josh Shaw. For the Chiefs, RB Larry Johnson, LB Kendrell Bell, QB Tyler Thigpen (No. 3/emergency QB), WR Eddie Drummond, DB Rashad Barksdale and DL James Reed are inactive.

Chiefs RB Mike Cox, WR Devard Darling, TE John Paul Foschi, WR Will Franklin and QB Quinn Gray didn't record offensive statistics Week 9 against the Buccaneers.

QB Andrew Walter, DB Darrick Brown, RB Louis Rankin, LB Ricky Brown, WR Ronald Curry and DE Greyson Gunheim have all been listed as inactive for Week 16 against the Texans.

Oakland S Michael Huff was added to the injury list after bruising a hip in practice earlier in the week. Huff did not practice Thursday and his status is uncertain for Sunday's game.

The Sports Xchange reports that the Raiders signed RB Quinton Smith to the practice squad to replace Kelly Talavou, who was signed last week but whose contract was nullified by the league.

Raiders RB Justin Fargas, WR Todd Watkins, DB Stanford Routt, TE Ben Troupe and QB Marques Tuiasosopo have all been ruled inactive for Week 4 vs. San Diego.

Oakland DB Hiram Eugene notched nine total tackles against the Chargers in Week 14's Thursday night blowout loss.

The Raiders have announced that QB Charlie Frye has signed a contract with the club.

Raiders DT Terdell Sands had two sacks during a Week 4 loss to the Chargers matching his career total from his first 63 games.

The Raiders placed safety Tyvon Branch (shoulder) and linebacker Robert Thomas (hamstring) on injured reserve with season-ending injuries. The Raiders signed defensive back Michael Waddell, who was released in training camp, and linebacker Marquis Cooper to contracts.

Raiders RB Justin Fargas was held to just 11 yards on six carries in a Week 17 loss to Tampa Bay. Fargas left the game with a knee strain.

At the NFL Rookie Symposium in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., Raiders rookie WR Darrius Heyward-Bey told CBSSports.com in an exclusive interview that his injured hamstring should be fine for training camp. Heyward-Bey was limited in OTA workouts with the hamstring. "It's feeling really good right now," Heyward-Bey said. "It's always frustrating when you're not practicing. All you have to do is stay positive and do what the trainers tell you to do."

Hamstring - Questionable for start of training camp

Oakland LB Kirk Morrison led the Raiders with 12 tackles against the Chargers in Week 14's 34-7 loss on Thursday night.

Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell (3rd QB), QB Andrew Walter, DB Nnamdi Asomugha, DB Fabian Washington, LB Sam Williams and DL Josh Shaw are all inactive for Week 10 vs. Chicago.

The Oakland Raiders have bolstered their backfield by signing FB Lorenzo Neal and RB Gary Russell. The Raiders weren't able to find a fullback in the draft, so they signed Neal, who is considered to be one of the best blocking backs in the NFL. The 16-year veteran spent last season with the Baltimore Ravens. Russell spent two seasons in Pittsburgh, rushing for 98 yards and three touchdowns. He also scored the Steelers' first touchdown in their Super Bowl XLIII victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

The Contra Costa Times reports Raiders RB Michael Bush has a lot to prove this year. Last season, Bush had two exceptional moments. In Week 2 against Kansas City, Bush had 77 yards on 11 carries and had a 32-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. In Week 17 against Tampa Bay, Bush had 129 yards on 13 carries and a 67-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter to spark a come-from-behind 31-24 win over the Bucs. In those two quarters, Bush carried 24 times for 206 yards and scored twice on breakaway runs, averaging 8.6 yards per carry. He was the dominant force in two of the Raiders five wins. Minus the fourth quarters against the Chiefs and Bucs, Bush carried 71 times for 215 yards and one touchdown. He averaged 2.8 yards per carry.

Raiders K Sebastian Janikowski kicked a 25-yard field goal and four extra points in a Week 17 win at Tampa Bay.

The following Redskins players are inactive for Week 17's game at San Francisco: DL Ryan Boschetti, QB Colt Brennan (3rd QB), DL Rob Jackson, WR Malcolm Kelly and LB Tyson Smith.

The Oakland Raiders released defensive tackle William Joseph on Tuesday to create room on the roster for receiver Ashley Lelie.

The Raiders have listed the inactives for their Week 17 game at Tampa Bay. Not in uniform will be: QB Andrew Walter, CB Noamdi Asomugha, RB Louis Rankin, FB Marcel Reese, DE Kalimba Edwards and WR Ronald Curry.

The Press Democrat reports if the season started today, the Raiders starting WRs would be Johnnie Lee Higgins and Chaz Schilens, just as they were in Week 16 of last season. This would put them ahead of rookies Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy and ahead of veteran Javon Walker.

The Contra Costa Times reports Raiders TE Zach Miller should be fine for training camp. The report says: "Don't worry about Zach Miller. Miller had sports hernia surgery in the offseason, but when he returned, he looked as good and as sure-handed as ever. He should catch 60-plus passes this season."

Herina - Probable for start of training camp

Raiders LB Thomas Howard was in eight tackles for Week 12 at Denver and he also added his first interception of the season.

The Raiders expect to get more out of new DE Greg Ellis than just the pass-rush specialist he was in 11 seasons with the Cowboys. Ellis, who signed with the Raiders on Monday after being released by the Cowboys earlier this month, recorded 20.5 sacks in a part-time role the past two seasons. Oakland envisions the 33-year-old Ellis as the every-down player he was earlier in his career. "I think he can be," Raiders coach Tom Cable said Wednesday. "You look at the film and he's been doing that, albeit in a different position. This is a guy you would rely on to come in and compete to be a starter and all that. He's got so much left in terms of where he's at physically, in terms of his body, his production, so (it's) just a positive for our team."

The Raiders have listed the inactives for their Week 17 game at Tampa Bay. Not in uniform will be: QB Andrew Walter, CB Noamdi Asomugha, RB Louis Rankin, FB Marcel Reese, DE Kalimba Edwards and WR Ronald Curry.

QB Andrew Walter, DB Darrick Brown, RB Louis Rankin, LB Ricky Brown, WR Ronald Curry and DE Greyson Gunheim have all been listed as inactive for Week 16 against the Texans.

The San Francisco Chronicle reports that the Raiders re-signed cornerback Chris Johnson to a four-year deal. Johnson replaced DeAngelo Hall last year and did very well. He had three interceptions, 12 passes defensed and a forced fumble.

The Contra Costa Times reports Raiders QB JaMarcus Russell will start this year ahead of Jeff Garcia. Even though Russell has struggled this offseason, Russell will still hold the job. The report says Russell would have to do "a faceplant of major proportions" to lose the starter's spot. Russell's last six games of the 2008 season carry considerably more weight than some shaky non-contact practices this summer.

Ankle - Probable for start of 2009 training camp

NFL Network reports that the Raiders and CB Nnamdi Asomugha have agreed to terms on a three-year deal that guarantees at least $28.5 million over the first two seasons and has a variable option for the third year. Asomugha's 2011 salary will be the average of the top five highest-paid quarterbacks (not cornerbacks) or $16.875 million — whichever is greater -- unless the club refuses the option, in which case they cannot franchise him. Asomugha is considered one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and this contract makes him one of the highest paid defensive players in league history. The NFL is still reviewing the contract.

Raiders DL Kalimba Edwards, DL Gerard Warren and DL Trevor Scott all recorded a sack in a Week 9 loss to the Falcons.

Sirius NFL Radio reports that the Raiders have claimed WR Will Franklin off waivers from the Lions. Franklin, who was drafted by the Chiefs last year, is now on his third NFL club.

The Raiders have listed the inactives for their Week 17 game at Tampa Bay. Not in uniform will be: QB Andrew Walter, CB Noamdi Asomugha, RB Louis Rankin, FB Marcel Reese, DE Kalimba Edwards and WR Ronald Curry.

QB Andrew Walter, DB Darrick Brown, RB Louis Rankin, LB Ricky Brown, WR Ronald Curry and DE Greyson Gunheim have all been listed as inactive for Week 16 against the Texans.

DB Justin Miller returned a kickoff for a touchdown for the second straight week against the Patriots in Week 15. Miller also had a tackle in the game.

The Texans are looking to sign players to beef up their depth in the secondary after strong safety Glenn Earl and cornerback Jason Horton suffered season-ending injuries Saturday. Earl fractured his foot and will have surgery on Tuesday, while Horton broke his arm and will undergo surgery Monday.

Oakland RB Luke Lawton caught two passes out of the backfield Week 16 for a total of 13 yards against the Texans.

Raiders DL Kalimba Edwards, DL Gerard Warren and DL Trevor Scott all recorded a sack in a Week 9 loss to the Falcons.

Oakland safety Jarrod Cooper was waived on Monday and intends to retire, one of a flurry of moves the Raiders made to deal with injuries and an upcoming deadline for roster cuts. Oakland also waived linebacker Grant Irons and defensive end Greg Spires, and placed receiver Drew Carter, fullback Oren O'Neal and cornerback John Bowie on injured reserve with season-ending injuries. The Raiders also claimed fullback Luke Lawton off waivers and signed safety Marviel Underwood.

The Boston Globe is among those reporting that the Patriots have shown interest in Raiders DE Derrick Burgess. A second- or third-round pick in 2010 is believed to be the compensation.

DL Tommy Kelly is listed as probable with a knee injury for Week 16 against the Texans. He should be good to go for the game.

Raiders DB Chris Johnson (nine tackles), LB Thomas Howard (seven tackles) and DL Jay Richardson (two tackles, sack) in a Week 11 loss to the Dolphins.