Bush finally ready to start practicing
# The running back has been on the physically-unable-to-perform list
Article Launched:10/18/2007 03:01:26 AM PDT
ALAMEDA -- Raiders rookie running back Michael Bush is eligible to practice with his teammates for the first time since the start of training camp. Apparently, the Raiders aren't quite ready for Bush.
Bush was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of training camp and left there when final roster cuts were made. As a result of the latter move, he was ineligible to practice with his teammates for the first six weeks of the season and participate in any of Oakland's games.
That window closed Sunday after Oakland's game against the San Diego Chargers. The Raiders now have a three-week period in which they can activate Bush to their 53-man roster. If that doesn't happen, he has to be released or placed on injured reserve Nov. 5.
Bush spent Wednesday stretching, running and doing individual drills on a field adjacent to where the full squad practiced. He said he no longer feels the effects of the broken right leg he sustained in college last season.
"I'm still day-to-day, unless someone gets hurt," Bush said. "I knew that going into the season, so this isn't a surprise. It's out of my hands. I can't get down. I could be in a worse situation. If I don't play this year, I just look at it as I saved my body for another year of pounding."
McCown returns
Opening-game starting quarterback Josh McCown practiced Wednesday for the first time since he sustained a broken left big toe in the first quarter of Oakland's game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 23.
McCown has spent the past two-plus weeks with his left foot in a protective boot. He walked with a limp afterward, but that doesn't mean he won't be available to play Sunday, he said.
McCown's snaps were limited to the scout team, coach Lane Kiffin said. That doesn't bode well for his playing Sunday, though he said he intends to be available if there's a "need."
Dwight works out
Veteran punt and kick returner Tim Dwight worked out Wednesday afternoon as the Raiders search for more production in the return game, particularly on punts. Kiffin moved Chris Carr back into the role of punt returner last Sunday after rookie Johnnie Lee Higgins failed to get untracked in the first four games. Carr called for a fair catch on his three returns. Dwight is a proven kick returner, and he also is an accomplished wide receiver. The Raiders have only four receivers on their 53-man roster.
Injuries abound
Center Jeremy Newberry (undisclosed), right offensive tackle Cornell Green (knee), defensive end Warren Sapp (ankle), defensive tackle Gerard Warren (thigh) and safety Hiram Eugene (neck) did not practice. Kiffin said each has a chance of playing Sunday. Linebacker Sam Williams (shoulder) was limited in practice, Kiffin said.
Extra points
Raiders left guard Robert Gallery was fined $7,500 for his below-the-waist block in the first quarter against the Chargers. He was called for clipping on the play. ... The Raiders worked out defensive back Shaun Williams but did not offer him a contract. Williams played collegiately at UCLA.
-- Steve Corkran
# The running back has been on the physically-unable-to-perform list
Article Launched:10/18/2007 03:01:26 AM PDT
ALAMEDA -- Raiders rookie running back Michael Bush is eligible to practice with his teammates for the first time since the start of training camp. Apparently, the Raiders aren't quite ready for Bush.
Bush was placed on the physically-unable-to-perform list at the start of training camp and left there when final roster cuts were made. As a result of the latter move, he was ineligible to practice with his teammates for the first six weeks of the season and participate in any of Oakland's games.
That window closed Sunday after Oakland's game against the San Diego Chargers. The Raiders now have a three-week period in which they can activate Bush to their 53-man roster. If that doesn't happen, he has to be released or placed on injured reserve Nov. 5.
Bush spent Wednesday stretching, running and doing individual drills on a field adjacent to where the full squad practiced. He said he no longer feels the effects of the broken right leg he sustained in college last season.
"I'm still day-to-day, unless someone gets hurt," Bush said. "I knew that going into the season, so this isn't a surprise. It's out of my hands. I can't get down. I could be in a worse situation. If I don't play this year, I just look at it as I saved my body for another year of pounding."
McCown returns
Opening-game starting quarterback Josh McCown practiced Wednesday for the first time since he sustained a broken left big toe in the first quarter of Oakland's game against the Cleveland Browns on Sept. 23.
McCown has spent the past two-plus weeks with his left foot in a protective boot. He walked with a limp afterward, but that doesn't mean he won't be available to play Sunday, he said.
McCown's snaps were limited to the scout team, coach Lane Kiffin said. That doesn't bode well for his playing Sunday, though he said he intends to be available if there's a "need."
Dwight works out
Veteran punt and kick returner Tim Dwight worked out Wednesday afternoon as the Raiders search for more production in the return game, particularly on punts. Kiffin moved Chris Carr back into the role of punt returner last Sunday after rookie Johnnie Lee Higgins failed to get untracked in the first four games. Carr called for a fair catch on his three returns. Dwight is a proven kick returner, and he also is an accomplished wide receiver. The Raiders have only four receivers on their 53-man roster.
Injuries abound
Center Jeremy Newberry (undisclosed), right offensive tackle Cornell Green (knee), defensive end Warren Sapp (ankle), defensive tackle Gerard Warren (thigh) and safety Hiram Eugene (neck) did not practice. Kiffin said each has a chance of playing Sunday. Linebacker Sam Williams (shoulder) was limited in practice, Kiffin said.
Extra points
Raiders left guard Robert Gallery was fined $7,500 for his below-the-waist block in the first quarter against the Chargers. He was called for clipping on the play. ... The Raiders worked out defensive back Shaun Williams but did not offer him a contract. Williams played collegiately at UCLA.
-- Steve Corkran
