ALAMEDA – Derrick Burgess assumed his usual place in the front of the line for position drills at practice.
The Pro Bowl defensive end missed the last two weeks of practice and two games with a right calf injury that occurred in the fourth quarter of the Raiders’ Week 2 loss at Denver.
Burgess’ return to the lineup would aid the pass rush significantly. Burgess is also an underrated run defender.
He’s also one of the team’s leaders. Defenders often cite Burgess’ presence, as a reason the unit stays loose.
Two key players not at practice were quarterback Josh McCown and running back LaMont Jordan.
McCown came out to practice late and is still wearing a walking boot on his left foot.
The longer McCown wears the boot, the longer Lane Kiffin has to wait before reopening the why Daunte Culpepper isn’t the clear No. 1 quarterback debate.
You can bet once McCown can practice, Kiffin will wait a while before declaring a starting quarterback.
Kiffin had players congratulate Culpepper on being named the AFC Offensive Player of the Week after team stretching.
Jordan didn’t make it to the field during the portion of practice open to the media.
Jordan hurt his back in against Miami and was on crutches after the game.
Dominic Rhodes practiced after missing the first four weeks because of his suspension for violating the NFL substance abuse policy.
Rhodes and Justin Fargas are the primary running backs with Jordan out.
--Jason Jones
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