Reserve wide receiver Nick Miller will get extra reps
Chaz Schilens's setback to his recovery has revealed the thin nature of the Raiders receiving corps.
The flare up in Schilens's foot is not expected to have him miss significant time, but in the original injury last year, the original prognosis had him back by week 2 at the latest. Beyond Schilens the Raiders receiving corps is unproven at best, with second year men Louis Murphy and Darrius Heyward-Bey the only significant players at that position.
The Raiders added Jacoby Ford in the fourth round of the draft, but he is more of a punt return guy, and fourth year man Johnnie Lee Higgins has been more cold than hot. Todd Watkins has been a non-factor in his two years on the team, and beyond them is last year's camp sensation Nick Miller who made the team as an undrafted free agent only to remain inactive all season due to an injured shin.
If the injury to Schilens turns out to be significant, there are not many players on the free agent wire who could step in.
Mushin Muhammad would have been the most natural fit, as he is a big possession receiver, but he has announced his retirement, as has former Super Bowl standout David Tyree. Veteran Terrel Owens has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Lavernius Coles has returned to the New York Jets where he spent the bulk of his career.
One name the Raiders could take a look at would be Kelley Washington who caught 34 balls for Hue Jackson's offense with the Baltimore Ravens. That 34 catches would have tied Murphy for the lead among Raiders wide receivers last year, and been good for second on the team behind tight end Zach Miller (66). Veteran Marty Booker is available, but his numbers have been steadily declining for the past four years.
Beyond that, the cupboard is rather bare right about now. Unless Jackson has a high view of Washington from their time together in Baltimore, the Raiders would be better off sitting tight and letting their young receivers get the extra reps whilst Schilens gets his foot healed. If it is still a problem when the season gets closer, they can keep their eyes on the waiver wire where they will be much more likely to find one who fits.
Unless the Raiders want to make a run at Javon Walker, he is on the market.
Comments
Thanks for keeping us updated.
Chances are Antonio Bryant will be available in about a week or tow. Just sayin'!
Thanks for this informative article!
Heyward-Bey and Murphey really need to step up this year. Shilens' fragility is going to put a lot of extra pressure on the wide receivers. Ford and Higgins may have to play a bigger role than anticipated...
I'm sure Schilens as well as the Raiders knew that Schilens still has tenderness in his foot before training camp started. If Schilens is having problems with the foot in a walk through practise environment, just wait til the real action begins.
Don't tell me it just flared now, it had to be bothering him durning the offseason while running and keeping himself in shape.
With this said, why didn't the Raiders pull the trigger on a WR like T.o. or Coles when they had the chance? This foot thing for Schilens has gone on long enough and there's a chance he may never heal properly enough to play football on the pro level.
Schilens missed 8 games last year due to his foot operation, then he was hampered by soreness the rest of the season keeping him from competing at a high level. If you ask me, it looks like more of the same from Schilens this year as well.
I have been waiting for this with Schillens. He has potential, bit what does it matter if he is injured all the time. And he has been. I believe the Raiders will have to bring in someone as insurance. Be it Kelly Washington or someone else.Hell, I'm not opposed to Javon Walker in a pinch.For the right price.As long as Cable and Jackson will actually put him on the field. I still have no opinion of Walker from last season because they never let him play. Maybe he is all done, but how would we know? No, this latest with Schillens is a warning alarm.
Here we go again. Maybe 10 or only 9 loses. I hate to say it but DBH is probably not a pro receiver. We Louis Murphy and Zach Miller our tight end. It makes me real upset. I was all excited about the draft and lost sight of the previous 7 horrid draft years.
Wide receiver is the most overrated position in the NFL. Just find someone to get the ball to these guys and they will do just fine.
well, the receivers wont have jamarcus to blame anymore. thats for sure. I wonder who the scape goat will be this year? buckle your seat belt cample, it may be a long year for you between you and the fans.
the cupboards are bare, indeed. the whole AFC West is trading on unproven hands, especially if Jackson vacates San Diego, for which I am sure you shall shed a tear, Mr. Patterson.
Keep up the good work Patrick. Not to be a killjoy, Lou Murphy has a concussion from practice. On a happier note, this happened early and we have about a month before camp ends. Now, I say no to acquire Javon Walker. Antonio Bryant sounds good. Hang in there Raidernation we will overcome this problem. Remember we have been through alot worse than this. Lets not forget the deaths of DT-Leon Bender, S-Stacy Toran, S-Eric Turner and special teamer Marquis Cooper. My point is we will overcome.
"Unless the Raiders want to make a run at Javon Walker" LOL!!!
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