Post by TheShadow on Dec 4, 2003 19:07:55 GMT -5
www.oaklandtribune.com
Grateful Raiders have a healthy attitude for a change
By Bill Soliday, STAFF WRITER
ALAMEDA -- Comparatively speaking, the Raiders have a puny injury report for the first tine in weeks.
"It's getting better," coach Bill Callahan said, welcoming any news that could be construed as good.
Only seven injured players made this week's list. Just one was declared out and nobody was doubtful. That included defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield, who hasn't played since the last game of October due to an ankle injury.
Stubblefield was listed as questionable after practicing Wednesday. He practiced last week as well, but on a limited basis, then was inactive for the Denver game.
"He made it through the entire practice," Callahan said. "We'll see what the outcome is at the end of the week. We'll make a decision (on the starter) predicated on his effort."
The only player declared out was Stubblefield's running mate at tackle, John Parrella, who has missed eight weeks with a tear in his groin.
Joining Stubblefield on the questionable list were guard Mo Collins (knee), center Barret Robbins (knee), defensive tackle Sean Gilbert (groin) and safety Derrick Gibson (neck). Fullback Chris Hetherington (strep throat) is probable.
WEATHER REPORT: It's snowing in Pittsburgh. The Raiders haven't played in the snow since a game of note in Foxboro, Jan. 19, 2002.
The forecast is for temperatures around freezing, dipping to a low of 11 degrees.
This time, the Raiders might actually be looking forward to it, given the power running game they've favored the past month. Last year, the Raiders went into Pittsburgh in Week 2 and threw 65 passes for 403 yards in a 30-17 victory. That's doubtful this time.
"It seems many moons but that was last year, it was a different team," running back Tyrone Wheatley said. "Add in the snow ... totally another factor."
Wheatley weather?
"I told the team (there would be) snow and cold and it kind of livened up a little," Callahan said. "They know the heater is going to be warm on the sideline."
The coach said the team would come out in short sleeves -- a point of pride for a West Coast team that rarely sees snow.
"Always have," he said.
A REASON TO PLAY: Now that the playoffs are no longer a possibility for Oakland, what do the Raiders play for?
Money, pride and future employment might enter into it, but wide receiver Jerry Porter has his own view.
"Because you love this game," he said. "We have been mathematically eliminated so you go out there to practice today and say 'Hell with it.' You go play football, have fun, compete and possibly get better.
"We used to go out when I was a kid on Monday after school ... in the middle of a field, no coaches, no referees, nothing. Just go play football. We played until the street lights came on or we couldn't see any more.
"Just (being) out there having fun ... that's basically what it is back to right now. I am going to find a way to have fun, whether it means I have to go block for Wheat(ley) all day, go cut me a few guys, talk trash at (Steelers linebacker) Joey Porter and tell him to make sure they get our names right, or catch 25 balls.
"It doesn't matter. It's football. It's about having fun."
EXTRA POINTS: The Raiders did not bring any free agents in for a tryout this week, the first time that has happened in nearly a month. ... The Raiders will continue to line up with Tim Johnson at middle linebacker and Napoleon Harris on the strongside outside. ... In addition to fighting the effects of strep throat that resulted in a 104-degree temperature and ultimately an IV, Hetherington was also sporting a shiner. "Guy stuck his finger right into my eye," he said. "It was a lot worse Sunday. I couldn't really see for about 20 minutes. It (the strep) was a rough session ... not a good way to be on in the injury report, but better than being hurt." ... The Raiders brought tight end David Newman back and placed him on the practice squad. A spot opened up when safety Curry Burns was claimed by Houston.
Grateful Raiders have a healthy attitude for a change
By Bill Soliday, STAFF WRITER
ALAMEDA -- Comparatively speaking, the Raiders have a puny injury report for the first tine in weeks.
"It's getting better," coach Bill Callahan said, welcoming any news that could be construed as good.
Only seven injured players made this week's list. Just one was declared out and nobody was doubtful. That included defensive tackle Dana Stubblefield, who hasn't played since the last game of October due to an ankle injury.
Stubblefield was listed as questionable after practicing Wednesday. He practiced last week as well, but on a limited basis, then was inactive for the Denver game.
"He made it through the entire practice," Callahan said. "We'll see what the outcome is at the end of the week. We'll make a decision (on the starter) predicated on his effort."
The only player declared out was Stubblefield's running mate at tackle, John Parrella, who has missed eight weeks with a tear in his groin.
Joining Stubblefield on the questionable list were guard Mo Collins (knee), center Barret Robbins (knee), defensive tackle Sean Gilbert (groin) and safety Derrick Gibson (neck). Fullback Chris Hetherington (strep throat) is probable.
WEATHER REPORT: It's snowing in Pittsburgh. The Raiders haven't played in the snow since a game of note in Foxboro, Jan. 19, 2002.
The forecast is for temperatures around freezing, dipping to a low of 11 degrees.
This time, the Raiders might actually be looking forward to it, given the power running game they've favored the past month. Last year, the Raiders went into Pittsburgh in Week 2 and threw 65 passes for 403 yards in a 30-17 victory. That's doubtful this time.
"It seems many moons but that was last year, it was a different team," running back Tyrone Wheatley said. "Add in the snow ... totally another factor."
Wheatley weather?
"I told the team (there would be) snow and cold and it kind of livened up a little," Callahan said. "They know the heater is going to be warm on the sideline."
The coach said the team would come out in short sleeves -- a point of pride for a West Coast team that rarely sees snow.
"Always have," he said.
A REASON TO PLAY: Now that the playoffs are no longer a possibility for Oakland, what do the Raiders play for?
Money, pride and future employment might enter into it, but wide receiver Jerry Porter has his own view.
"Because you love this game," he said. "We have been mathematically eliminated so you go out there to practice today and say 'Hell with it.' You go play football, have fun, compete and possibly get better.
"We used to go out when I was a kid on Monday after school ... in the middle of a field, no coaches, no referees, nothing. Just go play football. We played until the street lights came on or we couldn't see any more.
"Just (being) out there having fun ... that's basically what it is back to right now. I am going to find a way to have fun, whether it means I have to go block for Wheat(ley) all day, go cut me a few guys, talk trash at (Steelers linebacker) Joey Porter and tell him to make sure they get our names right, or catch 25 balls.
"It doesn't matter. It's football. It's about having fun."
EXTRA POINTS: The Raiders did not bring any free agents in for a tryout this week, the first time that has happened in nearly a month. ... The Raiders will continue to line up with Tim Johnson at middle linebacker and Napoleon Harris on the strongside outside. ... In addition to fighting the effects of strep throat that resulted in a 104-degree temperature and ultimately an IV, Hetherington was also sporting a shiner. "Guy stuck his finger right into my eye," he said. "It was a lot worse Sunday. I couldn't really see for about 20 minutes. It (the strep) was a rough session ... not a good way to be on in the injury report, but better than being hurt." ... The Raiders brought tight end David Newman back and placed him on the practice squad. A spot opened up when safety Curry Burns was claimed by Houston.