Walter's stock falls as McCown's reps rise

ALAMEDA – The Raiders' quarterback situation isn't clear, and that might be the way coach Lane Kiffin likes it.

Josh McCown's practice workload was increased Thursday, but no decision was announced as to what his role would be Sunday at Tennessee.

"It's whether he starts, whether he's active," Kiffin said. "We'll have to go in and sit down and watch the film again and talk with Josh also."

McCown said he would understand if he didn't start. Daunte Culpepper has started the past three games and, in a new offense, McCown would be trying to do a lot by coming back to start without taking most of the practice reps all week.

As for the fractured big toe on his left foot, McCown reported more improvement.

"It was a little sore (Thursday) morning," McCown said. "Once (the feet) get warmed up, they're good."

McCown sprained his right foot in the season opener, but the left foot has been troublesome since he injured it in the first half of the Raiders' third game.

McCown's improving health could make Andrew Walter expendable. Walter has been the No. 2 quarterback with McCown hurt. With McCown back, Walter hasn't done much in practice this week.

Kiffin, however, said he's comfortable with Walter playing without much practice because he has a good understanding of the offense.

McCown and first-round draft pick JaMarcus Russell split scout-team plays so the coaches could see how McCown moved before giving him any plays with the regular offense.

Even though the trading deadline has passed, Kiffin said the Raiders might not keep four quarterbacks the rest of the season.

A lot of that has to do with Russell, who has been the third quarterback with McCown out and has progressed well since joining the team last month.

"I don't know that right now," Kiffin said of Russell being No. 3 with all the quarterbacks healthy. "But he's at the point where he's been number three the last two weeks, so if he went in there's some things we can do."

Morning scraps – Running back Justin Fargas and practice team defensive tackle Josh Shaw were involved in a wrestling match during the special-teams session of practice. Offensive linemen and running back LaMont Jordan had to pull Fargas off Shaw.

Shaw declined comment while Fargas was unavailable.

Kiffin said a little aggression isn't a bad thing.

"That's not the only time those things happen," he said.

Injury update – Starting defensive tackle Gerard Warren did not practice. He has not practiced since injuring his quadriceps Oct. 4 before players were given the rest of the bye week off.

"That makes him doubtful for the game unless he can come out (today) and practice," Kiffin said.

Warren leads the Raiders with three sacks.

Starting tackle Cornell Green (knee) and center Jeremy Newberry (ankle) practiced after being off Wednesday.

Defensive back-kick returner Chris Carr (calf) was limited in practice.