ALAMEDA – The Raiders are turning to youth to find a spark in the passing game.

Raiders interim coach Tom Cable hasn't committed to keeping the tandem of Javon Walker and Ronald Curry as his starting wide receivers for Sunday's game against the New York Jets.

One thing Cable would confirm was that the lone rookie wide receiver on the active roster, Chaz Schilens, would be a part of the game plan.

"We're close," Cable said of deciding the receiver rotation. "You're going to see Schilens is going to be involved more this week. That's one thing I'm prepared to say at this point."

The Raiders are searching for a way to get more from their receivers. Tight end Zach Miller's 14 receptions lead the team. Running backs Michael Bush and Darren McFadden and fullback Justin Griffith have more catches than any wide receiver.

Schilens was a seventh-round draft pick from San Diego State this spring. He has three catches for 38 yards this season but has shown the ability to get open deep by running past defenders only to have passes thrown off target.

With more time to work with quarterback JaMarcus Russell, Schilens has a better chance of catching those passes.

"I think we can get that fixed in the game," Schilens said. "We've been working on that in practice. We're going to be throwing a lot more deep balls, and they've been really emphasizing it."

Schilens would be looked at as a third receiver in the slot and playing on the outside, Cable said. Ashley Lelie is still in the mix as the team looks to give other receivers continuous time instead of shuffling them in and out, the coach added.

"I think there's some guys I feel need to play more," Cable said. "And that's kind of where we're headed, and we'll get that sorted out pretty quick."

Demotion – Free safety Michael Huff was "surprised" to learn he'd be a backup this week, but he knows why.

"Right now, Hiram (Eugene is) starting because I haven't produced the way I should have these first four or five games," Huff said.

The seventh overall pick in the 2006 NFL draft was looking for a breakout season after playing out of position at strong safety in his first two seasons.

But he's struggled lately.

"I thought going out there I'd play well at free safety," Huff said. "This is the hardest I've worked this past offseason. Things just didn't go my way, so it was time to make a move. I definitely understand it."

Eugene is aggressive and reacts to plays quickly, Cable said.

"I've seen him get out of center field and get to the sideline with some range," Cable said. "Not that Michael hasn't, but I just see it with a little more zip, a little more flair if you will, and that's what we're looking for. We're looking for intensity on defense."

No blackout - Sunday's game has been declared a sellout and will be televised locally.

The Raiders have sold out seven consecutive games dating to last season.

There will be tickets available as the Jets return their allotment.

Injury report - Defensive end Derrick Burgess (right triceps) sat out practice. He has not practiced since Oct. 6 when he aggravated the injury. If Burgess doesn't practice today, he isn't likely to play Sunday. Jay Richardson and Kalimba Edwards would be the starting defensive ends.

Tight end Ben Troupe (foot) did not practice. Linebacker Isaiah Ekejiuba (shoulder) was limited.

Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/raidersblog.