Oakland Raider worst case scenario: What happens if JaMarcus Russell has a season ending injury?

July 31, 2:53 AMOakland Raiders ExaminerPatrick Patterson

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If Russell is hurt would Walter be the guy or Culpepper return? Photo by Patrick A. Patterson

With the news of JaMarcus Russell missing one session due to a minor elbow injury coming close to causing a full blown panic in the Raider Nation, it begs the question to ask what if? What if the line fails Russell and he gets hit hard enough to cause a season ending injury when the Raiders square off against the 49ers? As of right now Russell is the man in Oakland, and all plans center around him being under center. Here is a look at a few of the paths that the Raiders could take if the worst is to happen.

Andrew Walter: Not too long ago, Walter was the anointed one. He was the quarterback of the future who the Raider Nation was positive would lead the team to multiple Lombardi trophies. Half of a season under a horrid Tom Walsh offense changed that. Thanks to the offensive line and horrid play calling Walter had spent more time on his back than Jenna Jameson.

By all reports, Walter has been throwing the ball well in camp. The biggest question about him has been his mobility. In Kiffin's system, the quarterback needs to be able to roll out and throw on the move. Walter is more of a classic drop back pocket passer.

Marques Tuiasosopo: Like Walter, at one time Tui was considered the quarterback of the future. He was the heir apparent to Rich Gannon. In his first extended playing time following Gannon's injury in 2003, he led the Raiders on a drive against the Chiefs that fell just short of victory when Tim Brown could not fight his way into the end zone. He was lost for the season the following week in what would be his first of ultimately two starts as a Raider. His second start came the following year against the Jets where he spent the entire game running for his life. He was benched the following week for Kerry Collins and was not heard from in Oakland again. In fact, it was surprising to many in the Nation that he resigned in Oakland this offseason.

Tui's strength is his mobility, but has always had a suspect arm. If he were to take over for the season, the passing game would look a lot like last year as the routes had to be shortened to compensate for the dearth of speed at the wide receiver position.

The Raiders could at that point chose to look outside of the organization if Lane Kiffin and Al Davis don't have the faith in either Walter or Tui. Here are a few available quarterbacks that the Raiders could turn to.

Daunte Culpepper:

Culpepper remains unsigned after playing out his one year contract in Oakland last year. He showed a few flashes, but overall was mediocre at best. He clearly was nowhere near the player he had been earlier in his career. Of the available free agents, he would be a logical first choice given his knowledge of the Raiders's offense, unless he burnt his bridges last year.

Byron Leftwitch:

Leftwitch had a successful run in Jacksonville before falling off. He would be a classic Al Davis type pick up as he is a big strong armed veteran quarterback. Al loves to get guys off the scrap heap and give them another shot. He could actually fit the system, but the question is how much he has left in his tank.

Tim Rattay:

Tim Rattay would be like a return of Josh McCown. Rattay has never really been successful anywhere, but has never been in the right position to succeed. He would bring a workman-like effort with him, but would probably get a similar treatment to McCown. Rattay doesn't have the cannon arm that Al Davis covets in his quarterbacks.

Brett Favre:

In a move that would be classic Al Davis, he could make Green Bay an offer they can't refuse. Favre is the classic gunslinger type quarterback that Al Davis covets. Favre would also be a trophy for Al as Favre is a lock to be in the Hall of Fame once he retires for real. Favre has a resume that dwarfs any of the other options and is looking for a last harrauh. Al loves to get vets and squeeze another year or two out of them. With Favre being at the twilight of his career, he likely does not want to come to Oakland as they are in a rebuilding situation. This is the most unlikely of the scenarios, but somehow there is a feeling that Al would give it a shot.

Hopefully this is all just an exercise in hypothetical thinking, and Russell doesn't miss a snap for the next decade. This is the NFL and injuries happen. All the Raiders hopes are pinned on that right arm of Russell, so his continued health is crucial.