ALAMEDA - Josh McCown wasn't in too talkative a mood after practice.
That's understandable, as various media held him up for about 30 minutes yesterday. But he said enough to give the impression he plans to play Sunday at Denver.
McCown said he's trying to gauge at what level he could play with his sprained right foot. He had it taped and walked with a bit of a limp in the locker room but looked fine on the football field.
McCown and Daunte Culpepper split snaps with the first team today, coach Lane Kiffin said, so my guess is if McCown's foot isn't throbbing and swollen tomorrow, he'll start Sunday.
Kiffin continues to say McCown's hand isn't a problem. But McCown isn't wearing a glove on his right (throwing) hand because he's trying to make a fashion statement. The injury might not be severe, but there's definitely something wrong. The Raiders won't confirm reports McCown has a cracked bone in his right index finger.
McCown said doctors couldn't tell him exactly what was wrong with his finger. He's wearing the glove to get a better grip on the ball.
• Jeremy Newberry said he could play without practicing, but expect Jake Grove to start at center.
Dealing with Shaun Rogers was a chore last week. This week, big Sam Adams will be clogging the middle. Big tackles like Adams (6-foot-3, 350 pounds) give Grove the most problems because he gives up at least 50 pounds to them and they're able to move Grove around.
Newberry, at 315, is only 15 pounds bigger, but he's also one of the strongest players on the team.
• Duane Starks (groin) didn't practice and probably won't play. The Raiders have been looking for a veteran corner to stick with their young secondary for a while. That would be Starks if he could stay healthy.
- Jason Jones
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