Raiders cut return specialist Josh Cribbs
08/25/2013 12:13 PM
ALAMEDA -- Return specialist and special teams player Josh Cribbs was the most notable of the first 10 players cut by the Raiders Sunday.
Cribbs mishandled two kickoffs in a 36-24 loss to the Chicago Bears, muffing the first before picking it up, with the Raiders getting a break on the second when officials ruled him to be down before the ball was lost.
Returning from offseason knee surgery, Cribbs was never able to show the kind of burst that resulted in eight career returns for touchdowns. Presumably, it was affecting his ability to cover kicks as well, another reason he was added to the roster.
The decision was made easier when Jacoby Ford flashed some of his pre-injury form, racing 62 yards with a kickoff after Cribbs appeared to be running in mud on the first two.
As a vested veteran, Cribbs had his contract terminated and he is free to sign with any team.
Players who were waived by the Raiders were linebacker Keenan Clayton, linebacker Eric Harper, fullback Jon Hoese, wide receiver Sam McGuffie, guard Andrew Robiski, wide receiver Tray Session, defensive tackle Myles Wade and wide receiver Isiah Williams.
In addition, center/guard Alex Parsons thanked the Raiders for the "opportunity to play the game I love'' on his Twitter account. Parsons, who did not play because of injury against Chicago, is likely working out an injury settlement with the team.
Assuming Parsons is no longer on the roster, the Raiders have four more cuts to make to get to the limit of 75 players. Rosters must be at 53 on Saturday, two days after Thursday's preseason finale in Seattle.
As the players opened their first team session Sunday, Terrelle Pryor was at quarterback and Menelik Watson at left tackle.
Players who were working with the athletic training staff and not on the field were strong safety Tyvon Branch (ribs), wide receiver Brice Butler (hamstring) and wide receiver Rod Streater (concussion).
Players who were suited up and on the field included cornerback Tracy Porter (groin) and free safety Usama Young (hamstring).