SEATTLE – Kicker Sebastian Janikowski and punter Shane Lechler returned from injury, and it didn't take long for them to get to work.
Janikowski made his exhibition season debut Friday, kicking field goals of 40, 50 and 37 yards. He missed a 66-yard attempt that fell short because his foot hit the turf.
Lechler was supposed to be limited to holding for Janikowski on field goals but was forced to pass in the first quarter after a bad snap from Jon Condo on a 21-yard attempt. The pass was intercepted by former Grant High School star C.J. Wallace and returned 41 yards.
Glenn Pakulak handled punting duties for Lechler.
Janikowski and Lechler were returning from leg injuries. Janikowski hadn't played because of a hamstring injury. Lechler hadn't played since the exhibition opener because of a quadriceps injury.
Good returns – Johnnie Lee Higgins had his best return since fumbling a punt Aug. 14 at Tennessee that had Raiders coach Lane Kiffin bemoaning that he had no one healthy who could replace Higgins.
Higgins' lone kickoff return was for 58 yards. He'll handle punts and kickoffs until Tyvon Branch can play without a cast on his right hand. Branch then will return kickoffs.
Fresh starts – Fullback Luke Lawton and rookie safety Nate Lyles signed this week and started. The Raiders rested their regular starters.
Lawton caught four passes for 31 yards. Lyles was credited with three solo tackles.
Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/ blogs.
