Silver and Black Report

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush underwent surgery to insert screws into his left thumb to repair a fracture. There has been no immediate timetable for his return.

The Raiders also cut tight end Eric Butler to reach the 75-man roster limit. The next cut will get the Silver & Black to 53-players after the contest against the Seattle Seahawks.

ESPNs Adam Schefter reported that three clubs have discussed trading for Arizona Cardinals quarterback Matt Leinart. Oakland was one of the teams mentioned, along with the New York Giants and Buffalo Bills. With Kyle Boller and Bruce Gradkowski cementing themselves as back-ups in Oakland this summer, there is no reason for Oakland to bring in a struggling young NFL arm, even though it is to store away in the depth chart.

“The team’s a little tired, that’s the only thing,” head coach Tom Cable stated this week. “At the same time, we’re working to freshen them up.” The starters won’t see much action against the Seahawks, which will give them a shot to take a breather and prepare themselves physically for week-one against the Titans.

Jason Campbell was a spectator during the Raiders practice session open to the media.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

FB Marcel Reece in action versus the 49ers

Oakland Raiders wide receiver Chaz Schilens continues to show fragility and is expected to be out for three-to-six weeks after arthroscopic knee surgery. Head coach Tom Cable had a media session yesterday and stated it’s a “three to six week issue.”

Schilens would have been a starter, even though he has not been able to prove himself as a starter since entering the league and has spent more time on the sidelines injured than on the field. This guarantees more playing time for Louis Murphy, who is Oakland’s best wide receiver. Darrius Heyward-Bey would have seen time out there regardless being a first round pick last year and the owner wanting to see his speedy receiver in action. Oakland was very thin and had many questions along this unit to begin with, now, without a player they depended on, Hue Jackson will face some major hurdles in the passing game unless the youngsters develop quickly.

Running back Michael Bush will undergo a procedure on his fractured left thumb, but will not likely miss the opener. Bush will get the bulk of the load of the ground if healthy.

Jared Veldheer will dabble at center and tackle this week. He’s too raw and very inexperienced at both spots. More maturations will be needed, but expect the rookie to be in the line-up sometime this year, especially if Samson Satele or Langston Walker cannot entrench themselves at their respective positions. Tom Cable said of Satele, “ want to look at it. There were some things from last night’s game that I was not pleased with but there were also a lot of good things at the center position. I think the fact that Samson is ready to go is the most important thing right now.”

DE Jay Richardson and DL Alex Daniels will miss the final game of the pre-season.

Cable gave very little when talking about his special teams: “I felt like we were getting closer to that. I don’t know after last night that it’s any clearer than it was before but I’ve got an idea.” There is little indication on who will grab the return duties, but at this point, the veteran Yamon Figurs provides more consistency and a better option at wide receiver. Johnnie Lee Higgins has not been the same since getting rocked in the home opener in 2009.

Cable on Marcel Reece:  ”Well, I’ll say this: He just continues to get better. That’s the thing that he’s shown us is that, from one week to the next he’s going out and improving on whatever his negatives were from the week before. It’s starting to show up more and more that this guy, you can coach him, he’ll take it and he’ll go get it again. I certainly think that he’s really showing himself the right way.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski was antsy to get on the field and stake his claim to the back-up role behind Jason Campbell. Last night against the San Francisco 49ers, Gradkowski convinced new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson and solidified what the head coach already knew – that the depth chart at quarterback is a strength.

“Bruce Gradkowski was one of the bright spots in terms of going in there and having some efficiency and move the club around fairly well,’’ Tom Cable commented. “I think that’s what you want from your backup quarterback and he showed himself very well that way.’’

“I haven’t been out there so it was good to get the feel of the first team,’’ Gradkowski said. “It was good to play almost three quarters. It was really good to get back out there and get a feel.’’

Gradkowski ended 14-of-22 for 202 yards and two scores. We also saw the continued chemistry between Louis Murphy and the passer when they both hooked up for a 74-yard scoring strike in the second quarter.

As for Jason Campbell, the expected starter got Oakland out of the gate quickly with four completions on their 81-yard scoring drive. After the sack by 49ers defender Travis LaBoy, an organization and fan-base held their collective breath seeing Campbell on the turf and seated on the passenger seat of a cart.

“It felt a lot worse at the time that it happened, but … they don’t think it’s going to be really, really serious,” Campbell said. “But at the same time it’s something we’ve got to take care of before the season starts.”

Campbell suffered a stinger, but Cable stated he expects to have his starter under center week-one versus the Titans.

Running back Michael Bush sustained a fractured left thumb and audio of his post-game chat can be found here on SBReport.net.

Jared Veldheer started for the injured Samson Satele. “I think you have to look at the film for that. I can remember one, there was a run through by a linebacker, (Patrick) Willis, one time that was on him but overall I think he directed the protections well,’’ Cable said of his center. “He really didn’t show up as the game went on so that’s a good sign. But we’ll have to look at the film.”

Neither Johnnie Lee Higgins nor Yamon Figurs distinguished themselves on special teams. But Figurs tallied two more catches for 18-yards while the inconsistent Higgins was shut-out on offense.

For the first time this pre-season, the Raiders did not record a sack. Rookie Rolando McClain led the team with 8 total tackles.

Both specialists are in pro-bowl mode; Sebastian Janikowski booted a 57-yard field goal and Shane Lechler bombed a 61yard punt, averaging 53.0 yards on his 4 attempts.

Darren McFadden played and was ineffective on the ground with 9-yards on 7-carries. He managed two receptions for 16-yards.

Defensive tackle Desmond Bryant had an elbow injury.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

After the game, Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush spoke to reporters about some of the specifics of his sustained injury.

SBReport.net again takes a look at the Oakland Raiders training camp through the lenses of our photographers.

Quarterback Jason Campbell (#8) working with fullback Alex Daniels (now listed as #39)

Michael Bush appears to be headed to a starting role with the Silver & Black.  Hue Jackson will be primed to use his bulky, yet versatile rusher to get the majority of the carries in 2010.

Matt Shaughnessy’s (#77) – working here versus Erik Pears (#72) – role as a third down and long down and distance pass rusher will be a key aspect to the Raiders defense. Oakland is extremely hopeful that the 2nd year pro will have a larger impact this season after showing glimpses in his rookie season.

Rookie linebacker Travis Goethel (#48) got the leverage advantage against veteran running back Rock Cartwright (#25)

With Campbell at quarterback, Zach Miller is aiming at another season of improved numbers. Since being drafted by Oakland, Miller has put up back-to-back-to-back career highs in reeptions and yards; with offenses that were pitiful, instability at quarterback and a lack of creativity in the play calling, with little to no support around him. In Washington, Campbell worked well with Chris Cooley and Fred Davis. Could this be the year Miller becomes a legitimate pro-bowl candidate?

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

As the Oakland Raiders prep today for their pre-season opener against the Dallas Cowboys, SBReport.net will give you a glimpse into some of the images we’ve captured during the summer.

Running back Michael Bush (#29)

Quarterback Colt Brennan (#4)

Defensive end Matt Shaughnessy (#77) vs. offensive lineman Erik Pears (#72)

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

For the first time this summer, the Oakland Raiders suited up in pads, but the aggression and intensity was held back as head coach Tom Cable wanted a “controlled” environment. Here are some highlights of the session/:

• Chaz Schilens appeared to be in good shape and was running solid routes per SBReport.net journalist DeMarcus Davis.
• Michael Bush ran loosely and for major gains throughout the day. He ran through LB David Nixon in one drill.
• Jared Veldheer took snaps at Center. While at LT, he struggled a tad more.
• Rolando McClain broke through the line of scrimmage a few times, once taking down RB Darren McFadden.
• Rock Cartwright is looking good in camp early, showing solid burst especially on the edges.
• Mike Mitchell is ready to hit a real opponent.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

The Oakland Raiders have begun their summer training camp and SBReport.net has been there to snap images of the Silver & Black in action. Here are some early glimpses of the players participating in drills, preparing for pre-season games which are a few weeks away.

Michael Bush (#29) could get the bulk of the carries in 2010. A strong showing in camp and during the pre-season could secure that, as the Raiders can then utilize Darren McFadden in the diverse fashion many envisioned him at coming out of Arkansas.

Rookie Jacoby Ford’s (#12) speed has been used in offensive drills. If he can show maturation in route running, release off the line of scrimmage cleanly and a grasp of Hue Jackson’s playbook, Ford could push for playing time.

Manase Tonga (#41) is in a advantageous position. Luke Lawton is facing an early season suspension and Marcel Reese, although confident, by no means has a choke hold of the fullback position. Hue Jackson has some power packages in his playbook, and Oakland will need a strong lead blocker to push piles during short down and distances.

Rock Cartwright (#25) came over from Washington during the off-season. But his roster spot is not guaranteed just because he has a good working relationship with Jason Campbell. They are a lot of bodies at running back, and Michael Bennett still has live legs. So Cartwright will have to prove valuable with his leadership and skills on special teams as well to justify making the squad.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Oakland Raiders running back Michael Bush is ready for a breakout campaign. The Silver & Black released Justin Fargas this off-season, which cleared the backfield for the young legs of Bush and Darren McFadden.

Bush told the Courier-Journal, “I had to wait my turn, but now it’s my time.

“And I have to make the best of it.”

The Louisville product led the team in rushing last season (589 yards) and in his contract year, quite the impression will be needed if Oakland wants to secure him long term or if Bush wants to catch the eye of other teams that may question his ability to carry more of a load.

But that does not mean he’s opposing to sharing the backfield with McFadden. Oakland plans to use both in a more versatile fashion with new offensive coordinator Hue Jackson. And that could dictate how well the offense does in year one with a new assistant at the helm and a new passer under center.

“That’s what’s been going on in the league for a long time now,” Bush said. “Using two different backs throws the defense off, and it keeps guys healthy, so I welcome it.”

He also gave an impression of Jackson.

“[Hue Jackson] likes to pound the ball and throw later, so that’s good for us,” Bush was quoted. “He doesn’t hide what we’re going to do. If we’re going to run at you, he’ll let you know, and that’s what we didn’t have last year.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Jerry McDonald was on the mark when he stated in his blog that “there is no chance he’ll be traded,” when talking about Michael Bush. The Oakland Raiders intend to rely heavily on their ground game this upcoming campaign, with Bush being the focal point on the first unit as the primary ball carrier.

The two-headed monster of Bush and Darren McFadden need to step-up, and with the arrival of Hue Jackson and his desire to diversify the playbook, expect Oakland to depend on a third ball carrier as well.

McFadden, for his physical abilities, may be best suited as a jack-of-all trades; a multidimensional weapon that can cause match-up problems lined up as a receiver, or used in that same capacity out of the backfield.

Now that the Raiders feel that the competence level is a lot higher at quarterback, this will allow Jackson to implement new formations and more complex attacks.

But that will all stem off Bush’s ability to carry the load and McFadden’s skill set being utilized properly.

Michael Bennett may be that solid veteran that understands roles on a club and can contribute as the team’s reserved rusher. Rock Cartwright was also brought in to compete – and his working relationship with Jason Campbell could give him an edge.

Bush is definitely not going anywhere. And this running back grouping is by far the team’s deepest unit and one that will be expected to come up big in order for this offense to be functional in 2010.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist