OAKLAND -- With right tackle Khalif Barnes and fellow offensive linemen Joe Barksdale and Lucas Nix all inactive today for the Raiders, rookie and top draft pick Tony Bergstrom will be active for the first time this season today against the Steelers. Offensive coordinator Greg Knapp said Bergstrom, who is listed as the backup left guard, has been working in at tackle in practice, so he figures to be the backup tackle today with Barnes out and Willie Smith in line to start at right guard.
Receiver Juron Criner is inactive, meaning the Raiders will dress only four receivers -- Darrius Heyward-Bey, Denarius Moore, Rod Streater and Derek Hagan. Quarterback Terrelle Pryor isn't active, so Steelers defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau won't have to worry about any wildcat running plays involving Pryor (LeBeau reportedly said this week, in the spirit of being prepared for everything, that he wasn't ruling out the Raiders running the wildcat formation this week).
Recently signed cornerback Brandian Ross is active. Injured cornerback Shawntae Spencer and defensive tackle Christo Bilukidi are the Raiders' other two inactive players.
Inactive for the Steelers are quarterback Charlie Batch, running back Rashard Mendenhall, safety Troy Polamalu, linebacker Stevenson Sylvester, linebacker Adrian Robinsonnose tackle Alameda Ta'amu, offensive tackle Mike Adams and linebacker James Harrison.
Meanwhile, here's the preview stuff from this morning's paper, including our story on the Raiders readying for the elusive Ben Roethlisberger and game plan with keys to the game and the matchup to watch.
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