ALAMEDA – Justin Fargas enjoys being in the background.
In his first five seasons, Fargas was usually an exhibition season workhorse. But coming off a 1,000-yard season and entering training camp as the starter for the first time as a professional, Fargas was able to relax.
Fargas has not played the role of the disgruntled veteran, even if the Raiders used the fourth overall pick in the 2008 NFL draft on running back Darren McFadden, or intend to get Michael Bush some carries, too.
After all, the young guys did a lot of the extra work in the offseason.
"It was good just having so many backs that can get the job done and take the pressure off a little bit," Fargas said. "And overall it makes the team better, having such a strong core of backs."
Fargas' breakout season (1,009 yards in seven starts) was one of the bright spots of a 4-12 season.
He missed the final two games of the season (knee injury), but hasn't missed a practice because of injury since the start of camp.
"I feel good mentally and physically," Fargas said. "I'm just ready to get out there … ."
Linebacker search – It's obvious there's one area at which the Raiders are looking for help.
The Raiders had former 49ers linebacker Brandon Moore in for a workout Friday, and former Green Bay linebacker Abdul Hodge came in Thursday.
"There's a number of guys that will be coming through, to look at," said Raiders coach Lane Kiffin. "You see a lot of transactions after this first game where contracts aren't guaranteed and you pick up veterans at that time."
Et cetera – Wide receiver Javon Walker (hamstring), defensive end Kalimba Edwards (groin) and safety Rashad Baker (ankle) did not participate in team drills. Kiffin said they would need to practice today to be ready to play in Monday night's season opener against Denver.
• Middle linebacker Kirk Morrison will wear the headset helmet that allows him to hear plays from defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Starting outside linebacker Ricky Brown, who is Morrison's backup, is the second player who can wear the special helmet, and only when Morrison isn't on the field.
Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/raidersblog.
