By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
It doesn’t seem that long ago that an oft-injured, undrafted former college star dazzled Raider fans in preseason 1999, when Scott Dreisbach won a spot on the roster despite a broken leg.
Last night, the Raiders rolled the dice on another oft-injured former college quarterback, signing Nebraska’s Sam Keller, who tried out at the rookie minicamp earlier this year.
Keller, who was not signed after the May session, had failed to win a contract in a tryout with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after April’s draft, and …

Raiders receiver Javon Walker is reportedly hospitalized with “significant injuries.”
By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
Multiple media outlets are reporting Raiders receiver Javon Walker was found unconscious this morning in Las Vegas, apparently the victim of a mugging and robbery.
Several reports list his injuries as including an orbital fracture, and state that he is in “fair” condition in a Vegas hospital.

a2a_linkname=”Javon Walker injured in apparent robbery”;
a2a_linkurl=”http://www.sbreport.net/raider_news/008/85.html”;

By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
A couple of weeks after re-signing quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo, the Raiders brought back another member of the 2006 squad, signing free agent linebacker Grant Irons today.

a2a_linkname=”The Irons legacy gets another chapter”;
a2a_linkurl=”http://www.sbreport.net/raider_news/008/82.html”;

By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
John Rauch, who succeeded Al Davis as head coach of the Raiders and led the team to Super Bowl II after the 1967 season, has died at age 80.
Rauch was an offensive assistant under Davis, and took over as head coach in 1966. He was succeeded by linebackers coach John Madden in 1969.

a2a_linkname=”John Rauch, coach in Super Bowl II, dies”;
a2a_linkurl=”http://www.sbreport.net/raider_news/008/81.html”;

By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
The Raiders exchanged a couple of first-year players who are likely just camp bodies, waiving sixth-string quarterback Brian White, a rookie free agent out of Portland State, and signing fullback/tight end Tony Jackson.
Jackson, who played his college ball at Iowa, was on the Raiders’ practice squad for a few weeks during Art Shell’s second tenure in 2006.

a2a_linkname=”Raiders swap some camp bodies”;
a2a_linkurl=”http://www.sbreport.net/raider_news/008/80.html”;

By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
As the Raiders’ latest minicamp gets under way, most eyes are on 2008 No. 1 draft pick Darren McFadden.
This, despite the fact that Justin Fargas returns as the starting running back after a 1,000-yard season.
With dreams of McFadden teaming with 2007’s No. 1 overall pick, quarterback JaMarcus Russell, in a dream backfield, it’s worth noting that, in the 47 seasons the Raiders have played football, only two running backs have led the team in rushing.
The first, of course, was Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, …

By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
David White of the San Francisco Chronicle is reporting the Raiders have added former assistant coach Keith Rowen to the front office’s personnel department.
White cites league sources in reporting on the return of the team’s offensive line coach in 1997 and 1998. The Raiders have not announced a move, nor is Rowen listed on Raiders.com.
Rowen, the Atlanta Falcons’ tight ends coach last season, made headlines a couple of years ago when, as the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive coordinator, he was scapegoated for the come-from-ahead loss …

By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
As some of you who have followed my work over at Raiderfans.net know, a few years ago, I started something called the Raiders Research Project, which has been an ongoing — albeit sporadic — effort to create a one-stop-shopping site for Raiders information.
Well, I’m pleased to announce that, with Bob Carr’s permission and encouragement, I’m moving the project here, to Silver & Black Report.
This may be a slow, painful process, but watch the “Pages” list to the right for updates.
The first Project, the “Unofficial …

Oakland Raiders Head Coach Lane Kiffin
By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
As Lane Kiffin embarks on his second season as Raiders head coach — with the dubious distinction of being the first coach to survive a 12-loss year under owner Al Davis — he is not only trying to save his job, he is trying to avoid moving one step closer to some ignoble history.

a2a_linkname=”After Further Review: A statistical anomaly?”;
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Marques Tuiasosopo.
By Eric Strauss, S&B Report Staff Columnist
The Raiders brought back a familiar face today, re-signing former backup quarterback Marques Tuiasosopo.
“Tui,” as he is known to fans and teammates, spent last season as the New York Jets’ No. 3 quarterback after signing with New York as a free agent.

a2a_linkname=”It’s Tui Time again”;
a2a_linkurl=”http://www.sbreport.net/raider_news/008/45.html”;