ALAMEDA – The Raiders already have committed to playing first overall draft choice JaMarcus Russell on Sunday at Jacksonville.
The difference from his first two appearances? He could play earlier in the game – maybe even at the beginning.
Coach Lane Kiffin on Wednesday said the rookie quarterback could start against the Jaguars and be relieved by Josh McCown. Or vice versa.
"We're looking at them all, and there are a bunch of different ways to do it, and (starting Russell is) one way," Kiffin said. "The other way is to go the other way and let Josh play whatever (to) point we cut that off (and) let JaMarcus finish, so you don't go back and forth like we did last week."
The Raiders planned to play Russell in the second quarter of Sunday's loss to the Indianapolis Colts before McCown led a 20-play, 99-yard scoring drive that lasted 11:49.
Russell started the third quarter and played three series before McCown came back to lead the Raiders on a scoring drive.
McCown understands the Raiders need to get Russell on the field.
"I think if you're not playing for the playoffs this year, you play for the playoffs next year," McCown said. "You can't roll into next year – this is assuming he's the starter – you can't roll into next year and have him not played in games."
Russell worked on the two-minute offense in practice. It's one of the situations in which Kiffin wants him comfortable before giving him extended playing time.
"I continue to prepare as if I'm going to play, no matter if I start or not," Russell said. "Whatever (Kiffin's) decision is, he's the coach, he's the boss. I'll roll with that."
No love – The Jaguars have 10 victories this season, a quarterback with only two interceptions (David Garrard), a running back with more than 1,000 yards (Fred Taylor) and one of the NFL's best defenses.
But they had no players named to the AFC Pro Bowl roster Tuesday.
Jaguars running back Maurice Jones-Drew scoffs at the notion the team lacks star power.
"We've got big superstars," Jones-Drew said in a conference call. "No one wants to recognize it because we're in the NFL D-League, but it's OK."
The Raiders' lone Pro Bowl pick was punter Shane Lechler. Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha is a second alternate.
Injury update – Defensive back Chris Carr (shoulder) didn't practice Wednesday but is expected to practice today. Carr hurt his shoulder on a tackle early in the Raiders' loss to Indianapolis.
Wide receiver Tim Dwight (hamstring) also missed practice, as did center Jake Grove (knee).
Veterans with the day off were defensive tackle Warren Sapp, wide receiver Jerry Porter, tackle Barry Sims and center Jeremy Newberry. Kiffin said he doesn't expect quarterback Daunte Culpepper (quadriceps) or running back Justin Fargas (knee) to play the rest of the season.
Practice addition – The Raiders signed defensive tackle Kelly Talavou (6-foot-2, 336 pounds) to the practice squad. He signed as an undrafted rookie with Atlanta this year but was cut at the end of training camp.
Read Jason Jones' Raiders blog at www.sacbee.com/blogs.
