NAPA - It would seem to be logical to assume starters would play more than normal in tomorrow's exhibition opener against the Arizona Cardinals at O.co Coliseum.
With no offseason program because of the NFL lockout, getting players ready to play in a month would seem to take precedent over developing young players.
If that's the plan, Raiders coach Hue Jackson hasn't let on that's what he will do.
"I think you have to think through all that," Jackson said. "Do you give them more? Do you give them less? Is a guy really, truly ready to play. It's a lot of decisions that go into that. That's what I'll spend the back part of my day really thinking about before we make those decisions because we do have a veteran group that need to get ready to play and they need to get out there and play in a game, under the lights, in our stadium. We also have another group that we need to evaluate, that needs to go play because I don't know a lot about them other than what I've known over these 10 practices, 11 practices. So there's a fine line there. We're going to make the best decision that best helps this organization and this football team."
Players definitely out include running back Darren McFadden (eye) and wide receivers Jacoby Ford (hand) and Louis Murphy (undisclosed injury).
Jackson said how long players stay in had yet to be determined after today's practice.
"I want to gather all the information, understand where we are, make sure I check with our coaches and all our doctors," Jackson said. "And then I'll make that decision tonight about how long they're going to play."
• Today was rookie haircut day. Offensive tackle Joseph Barksdale left with a version of a flattop reminiscent of the what the old WWE wrestler Ludwig Borga used to wear. His was the most civilized of the haircuts. Nevertheless Barksdale said he planned to cut all the hair off before tomorrow's game.
Barksdale might have been the smartest of the rookies. He said he grew his hair out knowing this day would come so that he wouldn't be mad afterward.
• I guess there's practice for everything. The Raiders practiced pregame introductions at the start of practice.
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