Silver and Black Report

Today, the Raiders got one step closer to tomorrow’s 75-man roster limit, making a series of moves, including some expected, some surprising and some in-between.

The expected:

Wide receiver Drew Carter and fullback Oren O’Neal, both out for the season after suffering knee injuries in this weekend’s preseason game, were placed on injured reserve.

The surprising:

Special teams ace Jarrod Cooper was released, amid reports the popular safety intends to retire.

The in-between:

Veteran defensive end Greg Spires, like Carter a free agent signed this off-season, and linebacker Grant “Game Ready” Irons, attempting to make a comeback from back troubles, were waived.

Cornerback John Bowie, forever known for being drafted with the “Randy Moss pick” in 2007, was placed on injured reserve, his knee injury rendering him unable to go. Like Carter and O’Neal, Bowie’s season is over.

The additions:

The Raiders claimed fullback Luke Lawton, last of the Philadelphia Eagles, off waivers to replace O’Neal. They also signed defensive back Marviel Underwood.

The transactions leave the Raiders with 76 players on the roster (80 minus six plus two), meaning one more player must be cut to reach the limit tomorrow, and more if other players are added.

By Victor Cotto, S&B Report Staff Columnist

Defensive end Greg Spires will compete for starting nod (Getty Images)

After losing Chris Clemons via free agency, the Oakland Raiders were left scrambling to find a replacement that could provide an adequate edge rush opposite Derrick Burgess.

This weekend, the Silver & Black came to terms with Greg Spires, an 11-year veteran that has 39.5 career sacks.

Since 2002, Spires has been a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, playing in 89-contests, while posting career highs in sacks (8) and tackles (61) in 2004. The former third-round draft choice was part of the Super Bowl XXXVII winning Tampa Bay team that defeated the Raiders 48-21. He recorded a sack during that game, playing opposite Simeon Rice at right end, a role he held during most of his time in Tampa Bay at a starting capacity.

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