Rock Cartwright taking a handoff from Jason Campbell
Oakland Raiders rookie middle linebacker missed practice yesterday to attend a personal family matter. Head coach Tom Cable stated, “He has a personal issue that he has been excused to handle. He’ll be back quick.’’
As for his performance versus the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday: “I think he did fine,’’ Cable said. “He ran the defense like you want him to. He ran to the ball, was in on a number of plays, so I think you could say it was a success, first time out.’’
It appears that Charlie Frye’s recovery has been slower than expected. The quarterback will see a specialist this week to get further news on his ailing right hand. While he’s out, Kyle Boller could snatch that third spot in the depth chart. Boller had mop up duty after Jason Campbell versus the Cowboys, and even though Cable enjoys having the coach-like Frye on the roster, if he can’t shake off his injured hand, Oakland has to go with the more healthy alternative.
Oakland will be very cautious with Darren McFadden the rest of the summer. They want the versatile talent to be a focus in Hue Jackson’s offense with his pass catching and ball carrying skills. Michael Bush will get the bulk of the load, but McFadden provides a vital threat in different formations that opponents have to key on. Cable said, “there’s no injury or anything. We just don’t want to mess with it.’’ In the mean time, Michael Bennett and Rock Cartwright will be able to get reps that will be important in deciding what the rushing unit will look like as they approach week-one. “It’s a good battle,” Cable said. “They’re going neck-and-neck. They both have a little different style. Rock’s maybe a little more physical and Michael may be a little quicker.”
“Walter McFadden is definitely not anything serious at all,” Cable stated on Friday. “In fact, he may be ready to go to work (Saturday).” The rookie DB suffered a minor shoulder injury last week against the Cowboys.
The Silver & Black will practice today at 3:30, with two sessions slated for Monday: 8:30 am and 4:20 pm.
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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist
