Here's my latest attempt to get to reader questions. Enjoy.
Question: Jason, What was the reason for LB Ed Hartwell's release? Due to the injury to Robert Thomas it appears that the team is in search of another linebacker; any idea which linebackers are on the radar? Would the Raiders have interest in Antwan Applewhite a San Diego State product out of Los Angeles?
Jeff, Los Angeles
Answer: Hartwell was released because at his age and after several injuries he couldn't run in coverage as well as the Raiders would have liked.
And the inability to run hurt Hartwell's ability to play special teams, which he would have needed to be able to do as a backup linebacker.
Applewhite is now on San Diego's practice squad. The only way the Raiders could sign him would be to add him to the active roster.
Question: Why haven't we heard/read much about Andrew Walter? I think he showed alot of spunk and did a pretty good job in the second preseason game.
Dorothy, Ione
Answer: Not hearing a lot about Walter is actually a good thing. That means he hasn't been awful and forced the Raiders to find a competent backup.
Walter's skills are suited for the offense because he's not as mobile as JaMarcus Russell or Marques Tuiasosopo. But Walter has improved in that area.
He even had a nice run in Seattle to close out the preseason.
Question: What's going on with picking up a receiver? We still need one bad! I think we should get a veteran like Joe Horn. He would be perfect. All is we need is someone reliable to move the chains and help the young guys along. It has worked out in the past a la Jerry Rice, Andre Rison.
Morgan, Santa Barbara
Answer: A veteran receiver will probably come after the Raiders' first game.
If a veteran with at least four years of experience is on the roster Week 1 has to be paid his full salary even if the team cuts him later in the season. That's not the case if the player is signed later.
As for a player like Horn, I'd expect him to try to sign with a team that's more of a playoff contender since he's 36.
I think Koren Robinson would be an ideal fit. He would also give the Raiders an option as a kick returner until Tyvon Branch is healthy.
Question: Who in the HELL is looking at the waiver wire for the Raiders, because they let WR Marcus Monk get by !!!!!!!!!!! To the Giants who are at the bottom of the list!
Tony, Monrovia
Answer: I'm not sure who to blame for that, but I will say this. The Raiders might not want Monk because they are in need of a receiver with experience. Adding another rookie would not do them any good.
--Jason Jones
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