For a second straight campaign, Schilens is likely to miss the opener due to an impairment. He broke the fifth metatarsal bone in his left foot on August 18, 2009 and did not see action until the latter part of the campaign.

The 24-year old is looked at as the Raiders number one target, but why has he warranted such regard?

Schilens has only 44 career receptions for 591 yards and 4 scores and has only been elevated up the depth chart based on the weakness of the Raiders wide receiver corps.

By default, you can put the spotlight on Schilens. Darrius Heyward-Bey is still a project, Louis Murphy is in development as much as any other young target on the roster and every other wide receiver is either a special teamer at best or wouldn’t round out any other club’s receiving unit.

Schilens still has to prove he can play 16-games. Not just a full complement of games, but play at a high level against opposing starters that know that he’ll be getting the ball and that has the burden of being a ‘go to guy.’ Something he has never been and has not been able to prove at the pro level.

This just proves the fragility of the Raiders receiving department.

And if any one of these players miss extended time, regardless of who’s running the offense now, the aerial game will remain anemic.

• Alex Daniels switched his jersey number from 39 to 71. The move from lineman to fullback was not as expected. “I just didn’t feel like we made the improvement as quickly as I’d hoped,” Cable said. “He was brought in here, started out on defense to be a pass rusher, and obviously, it’s good to get a set of legs back over there. It just didn’t feel like to me it was working.”
• Langston Walker (back) Richard Seymour (triceps) and Samson Satele (ankle) did not practice yesterday.
• Jay Richardson expects to be ready for the opener after undergoing surgery on his meniscus tear.
• Bruce Gradkowski is expected to play in the final two pre-season contests.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

Bruce Gradkowski has been sidelined the whole summer and won’t see any action tonight against the Bears. Head coach Tom Cable relies on the journeyman passer after a 2009 in which he endeared himself to fans with feisty performances. But Hue Jackson has seen very little of Gradkowski within his offense and you have to wonder that if the remaining passers in camp can show any signs of life, that could give Oakland an easy decision to part ways with him and save $1.4 million. “Mentally, he’s probably up to speed,” Cable said early August. “He has good command. He’s able to get us where we want to go at the line of scrimmage. But I think he’d probably be the first to tell you he’s a little bit rusty in terms of timing and accuracy right now.”

Colt Brennan is one of those passers brought in to complete along the depth chart. “He’s a gunslinger,” his teammate in Hawaii, Samson Satele said. “He’s got to learn how to go underneath the center. He’s still learning.”

Charlie Frye won’t be doing too much huddling after wrist surgery sidelined him for the entire 2010 season.

Johnnie Lee Higgins was all smiles earlier in camp, but with Yamon Figurs’ solid outing against the Dallas Cowboys last week, Oakland could have a new look on special teams and in the back end of the wide receiver unit. Figurs hauled in 3 catches for 34-yards last week. Higgins posted 3 receptions himself for 38-yards. But Higgins’ inconsistencies could be his downfall if Oakland decides to go with the more seasoned veteran.

It’s been all smiles in Raiders camp when talking about rookie Rolando McClain. “He’s very well-schooled,” Cable said. “When he came here, he’s got an understanding of the game that is unique. But the most impressive thing has been — since we drafted him, through minicamp and OTA — his retention, his ability from day one to get us lined up and adjusted. He has a great feel for that. He just naturally has control.”

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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

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

Chane Moline (#40) and Alex Daniels (#71) working together…

Rookie linebacker Rolando McClain (#55)

Linebacker Quentin Groves (#52) blowing past Darren McFadden (#20)

Rock Cartwright (#25) getting ready to take on Ricky Brown (#57)

Rookies Travis Goethel (#48) and Jared Veldheer (#68), victims of veteran hazing.

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Contact Author: Victor Cotto – SB Report Columnist

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

Newly converted fullback Alex Daniels continues to do whatever it takes to make an NFL roster. He is so dead serious, he even restated that he will STILL be the ‘donut errand guy’ if that is what it takes. He will even treat the media lol…

Quarterback Jason Campbell delves into what it takes to be a leader and also how to adjust and manage the multiple personalities on the offense…

Former Washington Redskin running back Rock Cartwright talks about the relationship between he and quarterbacks Jason Campbell and Colt Brennan, how he sees his chances of making anew start here in Oakland, and among other topics, how he got the name “Rock”…