The Raiders are feeling the effects of the departure of PR/KR Chris Carr.

With Carr gone, Johnnie Lee Higgins is fielding punts and Tyvon Branch is handling kicks.

Coach Lane Kiffin wants QB JaMarcus Russell not to run the ball.

DE Jay Richardson isn’t concerned about the new arrivals who want to knock him out of a job; “Let the best man win, simple as that,” Richardson said.  “Their job is to bring in guys to make this a competitive environment and I can appreciate that.  You’re always best when you’re competing.”

Agent Alvin Keels shouldn’t hold his breath (or any other bodily function) waiting for a Christmas card from the Raiders; owner Al Davis supposedly would only release RB LaMont Jordan with an (unenforceable) assurance that Jordan wouldn’t sign with the Broncos or the Patriots.  A day after being cut by the Raiders, Jordan signed with New England.

S Greg Wesley practiced on Sunday for the first time since Thursday.

John Wade, Chris Morris, and Jake Grove are in the running for the starting center job; Grove plans to win it, even though he’s currently hurt. 

CB Nnamdi Asomugha says that he opted to sign the franchise tender after talking to former teammate Charles Woodson.

RB Michael Bush realizes that the other players are a lot fresher in July than they were when he finally got a chance to practice in Week Thirteen of the 2007 season.