Bee staff writer Jason Jones is at Raiders training camp in Napa. Look for his blogs throughout the day at www.sacbee.com/blogs. The following are excerpts from Thursday:
No practice today. The Raiders will have a brief walkthrough in preparation for (tonight's) exhibition game against the 49ers in Oakland. Here are some players to watch (other than the obvious, quarterback JaMarcus Russell):
• Wide receiver Javon Walker: He's been handled gently during training camp as he recovers from a knee injury suffered while with Denver last year. He's also been in a fragile mental state, having offered to retire last week. Raiders coach Lane Kiffin wants to see more of a commitment from Walker to be on the field and to give it his all when he is. He looked as "in" to a practice as he has ever been Wednesday night. Perhaps it's a sign that Walker is committed to playing hard.
• Running back Michael Bush: Kiffin wants this 246-pound runner to punish tacklers every chance he gets. Bush being a big back who shies from contact would be a disappointment, so look for him to lower the boom when needed. But Bush shouldn't be so intent on running defenders over that he forgets to use his elusiveness in the open field when he has the opportunity.
• Running back Darren McFadden: This will be his first time against NFL competition. McFadden looks fast and explosive in practice, but how will that translate to a game situation? Also, will McFadden line up all over the field, or will the Raiders allow him to focus on playing running back?
• Offensive left tackle Kwame Harris: He continues to look more comfortable with each practice, but performing in game situations is paramount to Harris' growth. And don't think the 49ers don't know how to beat their former first-round pick.
• Quarterback Andrew Walter: The No. 2 QB needs to show he is reliable. He has missed practice with what the team is calling a tired arm. If that's a lingering problem, Marques Tuiasosopo had better be ready.
• All linebackers not named Kirk Morrison or Thomas Howard: Kiffin has let it be known everyone other than his two star linebackers better be good on defense and on special teams to make the team. Realistically, Ricky Brown and Robert Thomas are probably safe, too. But expect everyone in this group to try to do something to impress.
