Relief may be on the way for JaMarcus Russell as his favorite target in training camp, second-year receiver Chaz Schillens, appears to be a full go for this coming weekend's game against the J-E-T-S, Jets, Jets, Jets.
Asked what Schilens has that the Raiders rookie receivers, Darrius Heyward-Bey and Louis Murphy, are lacking, coach Tom Cable said, "confidence" exudes from Schilens, who suffered a broken left foot on Aug. 18.
"I think he knows he can go out and change a game," Cable said. "I think he knows he can go out and make a play and catch a touchdown. He went through that same process himself a year ago and at the end, got over those hurdles. Obviously prior to him breaking his foot this year he was well on his way to putting himself in position to have a lot of success. So I would say it's confidence."
When Schilens was injured, on a non-contact drill, it was initially listed as a four-to-six week injury. We are in the ninth week. Cable said Schilens has been brought back slowly by design and spoke about why he felt Schilens was ready this week.
"Well, the work obviously in practice, the fact that we've given it ample time, a week more than first thought and how he feels, to be quite honest with you," Cable said. "He worked out both Friday and then Saturday, ran Sunday morning, yesterday morning, and has had no issues. He's excited, we're excited, and obviously he'll add to our offense."
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The return of Schilens could spell the end for Javon Walker, what with the trade deadline Tuesday. But Cable was not biting.
"I haven't even thought about that," Cable said. "Have not thought about that. We'll (think about trades) here obviously here in the next 48 hours. In terms of being done with him, no, I wouldn't go there. He had some opportunities yesterday and wasn't able to get into it like he had hoped he would."
And this from KHTK's Jodi Bacon - Walker has been active for just two games this season - Kansas City and Philadelphia. The Raiders won both games. Coincidence?!?
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