ALAMEDA - Interim head coach Tom Cable will have Derrick Burgess on the field for the first time since he's taken over Sunday in Denver.
Burgess practiced all week. He hasn't played since Sept. 28 when the Raiders hosted San Diego.
I once asked Burgess about being in game shape and I might as well have insulted his mother.
He doesn't believe in the notion because as he put it back then, "You're gonna get tired anyways."
Nevertheless, Cable said the Raiders kept tabs on Burgess' conditioning this week and that his fresh legs would be an advantage. Cable added the Raiders might rotate Burgess, considering he hasn't played in almost eight weeks.
"He did a great job with his cardio in his off time," Cable said. "Wednesday we gave him probably 70 percent of practice, yesterday was 80 percent today it was a little more. So he's done everything. Not had any issues. I've asked him twice about it. He's ready to go."
*A Raider quarterback's best friend will start again at wide receiver.
Ronald Curry will start because Chaz Schilens (ankle) is questionable.
Cable was asked how Curry had responded to being back on the field after going from team captain and starter to special teams player in active.
Cable doesn't seem to think Curry's season has been all that trying.
"Well I don't know what he's really gone through," Cable said. "But I think he's done a nice job. He's been a pro, he's worked hard, prepared himself. So I think he's really done a good job."
Curry had six catches for 74 yards in Miami. That's the most catches by a Raider wide receiver all season.
Other players filling in for injured starters will be center John Wade and linebacker Sam Williams.
Wade will replace Jake Grove (calf) who will miss a second straight game. Williams replaces Ricky Brown (groin) who will miss his fourth straight game.
Quarterback JaMarcus Russell (ankle) was limited practice today, but is probable. Backup quarterback Andrew Walter (knee) is questionable and is expected to be the No. 2 quarterback.
Cable said there is a "slim" chance Walter could be No. 3, but Cable said Walter's knee is better.
Cornerback Chris Johnson (knee) was back at practice after taking Thursday off and will start. He was walking with a bit of a limp, but is fine, Cable said.
*The old offensive lineman in Cable hasn't gone away.
That's why he's rooting for bad weather this weekend.
"I hope it snows," he said. "That would be great."
The forecast calls for partly cloudy skies.
--Jason Jones
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