SALT LAKE CITY — Tony Bergstrom was formally introduced to Raider Nation on Saturday, touring the Oakland Raiders’ facility and meeting team personnel — even posing for a photo with Hall of Famers Willie Brown and Jim Otto.

The former University of Utah offensive lineman was the franchise’s top pick in this year’s NFL draft, going 95th overall with the last pick of the third round Friday night.

“It’s a bit of a whirlwind but it’s a great experience,” Bergstrom said in an interview. “I’m just trying to enjoy the experience as it comes.”

While Bergstrom learned his destination in the NFL draft, he was the only Ute to do so this time around. However, several of his teammates wound up signing free agent deals after the seventh and final round was completed on Saturday.

“I was in demand once the draft ended,” left tackle John Cullen said with a laugh.

Cullen weighed his options and wound up accepting an offer from the New York Jets. He’ll report to camp on Thursday and is eager to get to work.

“They kind of showed that they really, really wanted me and had the best opportunity and best offer,” Cullen said. “So it was kind of just one of those things.”

Defensive end Derrick Shelby and fullback Shawn Asiata are headed to the Miami Dolphins, while cornerback Conroy Black gives the Utes two connections with the Raiders. Defensive lineman Tevita Finau is going to the Arizona Cardinals.

Linebackers Chaz Walker and Matt Martinez also had things brewing and hoped to have their situations finalized by Sunday.

Email: dirk@desnews.com

Twitter: DirkFacer

Just days after the Oakland Raiders’ running back and special teams stand-out Rock Cartwright was honored at the Commitment to Excellence, it was reported that he’s headed across the bay to play for the San Francisco 49ers.

It wasn’t Cartwright that wanted to leave, apparently the Raiders didn’t care if he stayed. The veteran player has been in Oakland for only two seasons, but Jerry McDonald of the San Jose Mercury News tweeted this afternoon, “Talked to Cartwright at the banquet in his honor. Made it very clear he wanted to stay. Raiders obviously took a pass.”

Many other comments echoed thoughts that Cartwright was a standout guy, including: # Raiders just lost a true leader and glue guy in Rock Cartwright. The special teams will suffer greatly just for starters.”

It certainly sounds like he will be missed, and the loss is a little disappointing. The 49ers are excited to bring him on, reporting that he’ll bring the versatility that the special team’s player he’s replacing had lacked. Over the past two seasons he was credited with 27 special-teams tackles.

Unfortunately, that’s life in the NFL, but going forward the team will need more leaders on the team that share a similar attitude that Cartwright had.

Free agent Chaz Schilens has also paid a visit to the San Francisco 49ers and is said to be heading out to meet with the New York Jets where his former position coach, Sanjay Lal, now works.

The Raiders are looking to fill a need at cornerback and are said to be meeting with the former St. Louis Rams cornerback Ron Bartell . The 30-year-old played for the Rams for seven seasons, but only got out on the field for one game in 2011 after suffering a neck fracture. Bartell is said to be one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the NFL and is reportedly back at 100 percent.

The question, “Where is Wimbley?” (referring to linebacker Kamerion Wimbley) has still not been answered, although it was expected that we would hear by Friday. I can’t imagine at this point that he’ll return as a Raider in 2012.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been anOakland Raiders fan for her entire life. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett. Follow her on Twitter @kcdermody or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/kcdermodywriter.

More from this contributor:

Oakland Raiders’ Cut Carlisle and Henderson and Get a Visit from Texans’ OG Brisiel: Fan’s Take

Oakland Raiders’ Legendary Quarterback Jim Plunkett: Thoughts on the Past and the Team’s Future

Oakland Raiders’ Aaron Curry Will Stay a ‘Christ-filled’ Raider, Johnson and Eugene Cut: Fan’s Update

Oakland Raiders’ Fan’s Look: Quarterback Carson Palmer Makes Sacrifices for the Silver and Black

Starting right guard Cooper Carlisle and defensive tackle John Henderson were cut by the Raiders on Thursday, with Henderson failing his physical.

Carlisle, a starter for the past four years, was due $3 million in salary, and his release saves a reported $2.1 million against the salary cap. Henderson was due $4 million in salary.

The Raiders could move to bring back Carlisle at some point, given his experience with the zone blocking system that will be reintroduced this season under offensive coordinator Greg Knapp and line coach Frank Pollack.

However, Oakland also reportedly was lining up a visit with Mike Brisiel, an unrestricted free agent with 47 starts as a right guard for the Texans, where Knapp

was the quarterbacks coach and Pollack the assistant line coach.

Brisiel’s season ended after 13 games in 2011 because of a broken leg. He injured the leg early in a 20-19 win over Cincinnati but finished the game before undergoing surgery the following day.

While Carlisle missed only one start in five years with the Raiders because of injury, Brisiel went on injured reserve late in the 2010 season with a calf injury and missed 11 games in 2009 with a foot fracture.

The moves give the Raiders maneuverability — possibly as much as $10 million — when it comes time to add free agents. Coach Dennis Allen said at the scouting combine the Raiders probably wouldn’t go after any of the big names in free agency.

Oakland’s

room under the $120.6 million salary cap was an NFL-low $636,000 at one point, according to ESPN, although those figures remain fluid as contracts are jettisoned or restructured.

In other news, unrestricted free-agent running back Michael Bush reportedly has lined up visits with the Cincinnati Bengals and Chicago Bears.

By David Fucillo

– Editor

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Dec 9, 2011 – Week 14 of the 2011 NFL season is at hand and both the Oakland Raiders and San Francisco 49ers face big games. The Raiders travel to Green Bay to face the undefeated Packers. Oakland is tied with Denver for first in the AFC West in what is quickly becoming a dog fight heading into the final quarter of the season. The Raiders are battling through an assortment of injuries and are just looking to hang around and keep their hopes alive.

The 49ers head down to Glendale to face the Arizona Cardinals in a game they need to have to maintain their lead in the race for the number two seed and accompanying bye in the NFC. The Cardinals are on a bit of a roll, having won four of their last five games. Their only loss was to the 49ers, but they were also playing without starting QB Kevin Kolb. He returns this weekend and it should make for an intriguing game.

As always, the Thursday pick was made in advance of the game.

David - PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-14) over Cleveland Browns: Although this is a rivalry game, leaving the door open for a close one, I just don’t see it. The Browns are way too inconsistent and the Steelers aren’t going to be messing around with this one.

James – PITTSBURGH STEELERS (-14) over Cleveland Browns: Remember early in the season when everyone was swearing up and down that the Steelers were old and no longer relevant? Yeah, not so much anymore. This is a strong team with a good offense and a good defense. Browns do not stand a chance.

David – GREEN BAY PACKERS (-12.5) over Oakland Raiders: I’d be tempted if the Raiders were 100% healthy. Without McFadden, Ford, Moore and Jones? It would take a small miracle.

James – Oakland Raiders (+12.5) over GREEN BAY PACKERS: I cannot and will not pick against the Raiders.

David – CINCINNATI BENGALS (-1.5) over Houston Texans: The Bengals are scuffling a bit, but I think their defense can contain Arian Foster just enough to force T.J. Yates into a position where he has to try and win this thing. And I don’t think he can do that. The Bengals are sneaky solid.

James – Houston Texans (+1.5) over CINCINNATI BENGALS: Really tough game to call. While the Texans are on their third string quarterback, it does not look to have slowed them down a whole lot. They still have a very good defense and one of the best running games. Meanwhile, the Bengals are struggling right now and I cannot see them putting up many points against this Houston defense.

David - DETROIT LIONS (Even) over Minnesota Vikings: Joe Webb is not the answer.

James – DETROIT LIONS (Even) over Minnesota Vikings: This is just a matter of two mismatched teams. I know the Lions are struggling right now, but the Vikings are just not a good team. I do not see them going to Detroit and doing anything but floundering.

David – TENNESSEE TITANS (+3.5) over New Orleans Saints: The Saints are playing some great football right now, but when they go on the road, things are a little more up in the air. The Saints could roll in and handle their business, but I’ve just got a gut feeling about this one.

James – New Orleans Saints (-3.5) over TENNESSEE TITANS: The Saints could have the most potent offense in the NFL right now. That is no knock on the Packers offense, but the Saints are just something else and are playing very well right now. I don’t understand why this line is so close, I’d put the Saints as two score favorites.

David - MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles are on the way down, the Dolphins are kind of on the way up in a weird sort of way. Philly is so wildly inconsistent that I really don’t know what to expect out of them week to week.

James – MIAMI DOLPHINS (-2.5) over Philadelphia Eagles: The battle of two 4-8 teams. One, the Eagles, is massively underperforming despite a blockbuster roster. The other, is massively overperforming despite an underwhelming quarterback and running back combo. The fact of the matter is, Miami is playing like a solidified unit while the Eagles are playing like they are a pick up team.

David - Kansas City Chiefs (+10.5) over NEW YORK JETS: I made a change here. Was originally going to go with the Chiefs, but something about that line intrigues me with the Chiefs. I’m sure they’ll now get blown out (sorry, KC fans), but it’s just a gut feeling.

James – NEW YORK JETS (-10.5) over Kansas City Chiefs: Another example of one team just simply being much better than the other. Though the Jets have not had a stellar season, they are playing much better as of late. And with a playoff spot on the line, I expect them to turn it up late in the season and win games like this one big.

David - New England Patriots (-9.5) over WASHINGTON REDSKINS: The Patriots can be questionable on the road, but the Redskins have Rex Grossman maning the helm. Sorry, Washington.

James – New England Patriots (-9.5) over WASHINGTON REDSKINS: Is much discussion really needed on this one?If the line was bigger then maybe I’d have to think about it for a bit. But come on, this will not be anywhere near a close game.

David - CAROLINA PANTHERS (+2.5) over Atlanta Falcons: I’m a Cam Newton believer. I think most folks are, but I think they are going to start pairing some wins together before Cam goes postal with all the losing. If this was in Atlanta I’d be questioning it, but I think they can swing the upset at home.

James – CAROLINA PANTHERS (+2.5) over Atlanta Falcons: The Panthers are starting to play better. They have back to back wins for the first time this year. Oh, and Cam Newton is an absolute BEAST. Meanwhile, the Falcons could not pull off a win over the Texans and TJ Yates.

David - Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Even) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: I was a little bit tempted by the Jaguars, but then I remembered they just aren’t any good. Blaine Gabbert showed some things at times against the Chargers, but struggled enough to leave me questioning them this season.

James – Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Even) over JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS: The Jags are just a bad team. The Bucs are a massively underperforming team. While their records are very similar, the quality of the teams is not. The Bucs will look like the team most people thought they were this season and get a win on the road in an empty Jaguars stadium.

David - Indianapolis Colts (+17.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS: The Ravens win this, but they have a nasty habit of playing down to lesser competition from time to time. I think we see it once again.

James – Indianapolis Colts (+17.5) over BALTIMORE RAVENS: Do not worry, this is not a typo, nor have I completely lost my mind. The Colts have played a lot of close games this season, and have only been blown out by 17 or more points four times. Meanwhile, the Ravens have a nasty habit of playing down to their competition (see: Seattle). Ravens will win, and win easily, but it will be closer to 10-14 points.

David - Chicago Bears (+3.5) over DENVER BRONCOS: I’m breaking the most important rule: Do not bet against Tim Tebow. Well, my gut has me thinking something crazy happens and the Broncos actually lose. I’m not sure why I think this, but I just have a hunch.

James – DENVER BRONCOS (-3.5) over Chicago Bears: No Jay Cutler. No Matt Forte. Good god, is Tebow going to do it again? I think he is and let me tell you, I am pretty bitter about it.

David - San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS: The 49ers clinched the NFC West last week and face the Pittsburgh Steelers next week on Monday Night Football. This is a chance for a let-down as the Arizona Cardinals roll out Kevin Kolb in his second start since coming back from a foot injury. Crazy things sometimes happen when these two teams meet in Glendale, but I think the 49ers can handle their business.

James – San Francisco 49ers (-3.5) over ARIZONA CARDINALS: Jim Harbaugh is far too good of a coach to allow the Niners to have the same kind of let down against the Cards as the Cowboys did last week. Arizona does not stand a chance in this game. The Niners will have their sights on a number two seed in the NFC and will not allow a team like the Cards to derail them from that goal.

David - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-7.5) over Buffalo Bills: Don’t bet against the Chargers in December.

James - SAN DIEGO CHARGERS (-7.5) over Buffalo Bills: The Chargers are looking like they have finally hit their stride late in the season. Probably not enough for a playoff berth, but enough to put down the struggling and injured Bills at home.

David – DALLAS COWBOYS (-3) over New York Giants: NFC East rivalry games can be incredibly crazy, but I think the Cowboys pull out this home game. They are getting Miles Austin back and while they were stunned by Arizona, I think they bounce back strong.

James - New York Giants (+3) over DALLAS COWBOYS: My pick here comes down to the intangibles. I believe that the Giants want the win more than the Cowboys do. I also have more faith in the Giants in late game situations than I do in the Cowboys. Both are coming off of tough losses, but one was a close loss to the league’s best team while the other was a close loss to a very bad team.

David - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (even) over St. Louis Rams: I think the NFC picked this game just to show off how popular the NFL really is. That can be the only reason for it. The Rams are falling apart and the Seahawks are starting to play some decent football. I’ll go with the Seahawks.

James - SEATTLE SEAHAWKS (even) over St. Louis Rams: Wait a second. I must have read wrong. This is not the Monday Night Football game, right? There is no way the NFL would schedule a game like this so late in the season, on the biggest prime time game of the week. Sorry, Im not even going to explain my pick, Im just going to complain about this being the MNF game. TERRIBLE!

DAVID FUCILLO
Last Week: 9-7-0
Season: 97-89-3

JAMES ARCELLANA
Last Week: 9-7-0
Season: 93-79-4

Read More: week 14 nfl picks, 2011 nfl picks, 49ers picks, raiders picks

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It’s hard to believe that the Oakland Raiders have been a part of the NFL for over 50 years now. With so many fans born long after the team came into existence, there are some memories that seem to fade away with time. Some of those are so historic they should never be forgotten, but even die hard fans of the Silver and Black may not be familiar with them all. Here is a look a few of those moments in time.

entrance to O.co Coliseum and the Oakland Raiders
K.C. Dermody

September 18, 1966

Do you remember this day? While it was just two days before my first birthday, September 18, 1966 marked the first Raiders’ game played at the Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum, now known as O.co Coliseum. After four years of construction, the stadium came to life, and at the time there were 45,000 seats. Today there is a little over 63,000.

The Raiders were coached by John Rauch, and Tom Flores was the starting quarterback. On that day, that faced the Kansas City Chiefs, and were defeated by a score of 32-10. In the 45+ years since then, fans have been able to watch the Silver and Black capture the victory time and time again, with their first Super Bowl title coming a decade after their first game played at The Coliseum.

Former Raiders’ kicker Mike Mercer

Kicker Mike Mercer spent four seasons with the Oakland Raiders, but what memorable event was Mercer involved in? Most NFL fans would be surprised to know that this player was the first to kick a field goal in a Super Bowl.

This Pro-Bowler was in the NFL from 1961 through 1970, and set the record for single game punting with an average of 51.2 feet with the Oakland Raiders. In 1966, with the Kansas City Chiefs, Mercer kicked the very first field goal in Super Bowl 1.

Today, most people don’t know who he is, and at 76 years old, he spends one night a week working at an Oregon restaurant where die hard Raiders’ fan, Kimberly McDonald, found him. She felt it would be tragic if Mercer’s historic moment was forgotten, and I certainly feel the same.

Warren Wells

How often do you hear the name Warren Wells mentioned when talking about Oakland Raiders’ greats? It’s unfortunate, but he is not often talked about. Wells was a wide receiver for the Raiders from 1967 to 1970. In his last year, during a game against the New York Jets in early December at Shea Stadium, Wells became the hero in the Raiders’ victory.

With eight seconds left to go, it was Wells who came down with a tipped pass, and score the touchdown and tie the game for Oakland. George Blanda kicked the extra point for the win. Quarterback Daryle Lamonica stated the play as the most memorable in his career.

The next time you’re discussing the best of the best in regard to the Silver and Black, perhaps you can give a nod to both Wells and Mercer. They surely deserve it.

K.C. Dermody grew up in the Bay Area of California, and has been an Oakland Raiders fan from the time she could walk. She has continued her loyalty to the team through its many ups and downs over the decades, and has been privileged to meet several of her favorite players, including famed quarterback, Jim Plunkett . Follow her at www.facebook.com/KCDermodyWriter or on Twitter @kcdermody.

More from this contributor:

Oakland Raiders Fan Experience at O.co Coliseum

Oakland Raiders’ Kicker Sebastian Janikowski Named Special Teams Player of the Week: Fan Reaction

Passion Returns to Aaron Curry with Raiders as it Often Has in the past: Fan’s Look

Oakland Raiders’ Fan’s Look: Hue Jackson Proving the Naysayers Wrong

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP) – The Oakland Raiders returned from their bye week on Monday by signing former Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard and are planning a workout for former Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

 Houshmandzadeh played in Cincinnati with new Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer and was coached by current Raiders head coach Hue Jackson, but has been out of the league so far this season.

 Houshmandzadeh had been working out with Palmer in Southern California before the Raiders traded for the quarterback two weeks ago. Houshmandzadeh will work out for Oakland on Tuesday.

 Jackson said the decision to look at Houshmandzadeh had been in the works for a while and did not have to do with getting a receiver who had worked previously with Palmer.

 ”What I need to do is find out what he is,” Jackson said. “I’m going to do everything I can to improve our football team. I mean, he may not be what he once was. He may be what he once was. But I get the opportunity to see him, and see him up close and personal and go from there.”

 Houshmandzadeh was at his best with the Bengals with Palmer, catching a career-high 112 passes for 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007. After averaging 89 catches, for 1,012 yards and seven touchdowns over a five-year span in Cincinnati, Houshmandzadeh struggled the past two seasons in Seattle and Baltimore.

 He had only 30 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns with the Ravens last season and had a key drop late in a playoff loss to Pittsburgh. No one picked him up this offseason but the Raiders are ready to take a look to see if he can regain his old form.

 ”He’s a born leader,” said safety Chinedum Ndukwe, who played with Houshmandzadeh in Cincinnati. “He’s a competitor. He gets open. You can’t really explain it. He might not be the fastest guy, he might not look like the greatest athlete but he gets it done. In the slot, I don’t think there’s any better in the league in the slot.”

 The Raiders had an open spot on their roster this week and used it on Sheppard. He spent time in training camp with the Raiders and played in the final exhibition game before being cut. He had not caught on with any other team and was brought back by the Raiders, who have two cornerbacks banged up in Chris Johnson and Chimdi Chekwa.

 Sheppard worked out for a handful of teams over the last few months, including the Raiders a few weeks ago.

 ”I’ve been preparing as if it was going to happen that next day each day,” Sheppard said. “But it was a relief because I felt like I was doing a pretty good job here and I kind of couldn’t understand it (being released) but then they called me back so they appreciated some of what I was doing so that was a big help.”

 Sheppard is a former Pro Bowler but started only two games for Minnesota last season. He started nine games for the New York Jets in 2009 and three for Philadelphia the previous season. He had been a starter for the Eagles before that, intercepting 14 passes from 2004 to 2006.

 His coverage numbers have dropped in recent years, according to STATS LLC. Sheppard allowed quarterbacks to complete 58 percent of their passes in his direction the past three seasons with 10 touchdowns, two interceptions and a 97.6 quarterback rating. In his first five seasons, Sheppard allowed opponents to catch 56.7 percent of their passes with 11 TDs, 17 interceptions and a 72.3 rating.

 ”He was somebody that I always watched, especially when I was a rookie,” Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt said. “He has always had good feet, good instincts and for someone that is undersized, he plays much bigger than his size. He is definitely someone that helps the secondary out physically as well as from a mental aspect.”

 The Raiders officially took the past four days off, but the receivers worked with Palmer on their own to build up some rapport with the new quarterback. Receiver Jacoby Ford said that work helped improve the timing of the passing game, which Jackson said was evident at practice

 ”I thought he looked really sharp today,” Jackson said. “He did some really good things today. He really has a grasp of what we’re trying to accomplish. I think when I heard of what those guys did on those two days, spending time together really showed out here.”

 Notes: RB Darren McFadden (foot) did not practice and Jackson had no information on what his status would be for this week. … MLB Rolando McClain (ankle) and K Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) were among the other players who did not practice.

ALAMEDA, Calif. – The Oakland Raiders returned from their bye week on Monday by signing former Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard and are planning a workout for former Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh.

Houshmandzadeh played in Cincinnati with new Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer and was coached by current Raiders head coach Hue Jackson, but has been out of the league so far this season.

Houshmandzadeh had been working out with Palmer in Southern California before the Raiders traded for the quarterback two weeks ago. Houshmandzadeh will work out for Oakland on Tuesday.

Jackson said the decision to look at Houshmandzadeh had been in the works for a while and did not have to do with getting a receiver who had worked previously with Palmer.

“What I need to do is find out what he is,” Jackson said. “I’m going to do everything I can to improve our football team. I mean, he may not be what he once was. He may be what he once was. But I get the opportunity to see him, and see him up close and personal and go from there.”

Houshmandzadeh was at his best with the Bengals with Palmer, catching a career-high 112 passes for 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007. After averaging 89 catches, for 1,012 yards and seven touchdowns over a five-year span in Cincinnati, Houshmandzadeh struggled the past two seasons in Seattle and Baltimore.

He had only 30 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns with the Ravens last season and had a key drop late in a playoff loss to Pittsburgh. No one picked him up this off-season but the Raiders are ready to take a look to see if he can regain his old form.

“He’s a born leader,” said safety Chinedum Ndukwe, who played with Houshmandzadeh in Cincinnati. “He’s a competitor. He gets open. You can’t really explain it. He might not be the fastest guy, he might not look like the greatest athlete but he gets it done. In the slot, I don’t think there’s any better in the league in the slot.”

The Raiders had an open spot on their roster this week and used it on Sheppard. He spent time in training camp with the Raiders and played in the final exhibition game before being cut. He had not caught on with any other team and was brought back by the Raiders, who have two cornerbacks banged up in Chris Johnson and Chimdi Chekwa.

Sheppard worked out for a handful of teams over the last few months, including the Raiders a few weeks ago.

“I’ve been preparing as if it was going to happen that next day each day,” Sheppard said. “But it was a relief because I felt like I was doing a pretty good job here and I kind of couldn’t understand it (being released) but then they called me back so they appreciated some of what I was doing so that was a big help.”

Sheppard is a former Pro Bowler but started only two games for Minnesota last season. He started nine games for the New York Jets in 2009 and three for Philadelphia the previous season. He had been a starter for the Eagles before that, intercepting 14 passes from 2004 to 2006.

His coverage numbers have dropped in recent years, according to STATS LLC. Sheppard allowed quarterbacks to complete 58 per cent of their passes in his direction the past three seasons with 10 touchdowns, two interceptions and a 97.6 quarterback rating. In his first five seasons, Sheppard allowed opponents to catch 56.7 per cent of their passes with 11 TDs, 17 interceptions and a 72.3 rating.

“He was somebody that I always watched, especially when I was a rookie,” Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt said. “He has always had good feet, good instincts and for someone that is undersized, he plays much bigger than his size. He is definitely someone that helps the secondary out physically as well as from a mental aspect.”

The Raiders officially took the past four days off, but the receivers worked with Palmer on their own to build up some rapport with the new quarterback. Receiver Jacoby Ford said that work helped improve the timing of the passing game, which Jackson said was evident at practice

“I thought he looked really sharp today,” Jackson said. “He did some really good things today. He really has a grasp of what we’re trying to accomplish. I think when I heard of what those guys did on those two days, spending time together really showed out here.”

Notes: RB Darren McFadden (foot) did not practice and Jackson had no information on what his status would be for this week. … MLB Rolando McClain (ankle) and K Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) were among the other players who did not practice.

ALAMEDA, Calif. (AP)—The Oakland Raiders returned from their bye week on
Monday by signing former Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard(notes) and are planning a
workout for former Pro Bowl receiver T.J. Houshmandzadeh(notes).

Houshmandzadeh played in Cincinnati with new Raiders quarterback Carson
Palmer(notes) and was coached by current Raiders head coach Hue Jackson, but has been
out of the league so far this season.

Houshmandzadeh had been working out with Palmer in Southern California
before the Raiders traded for the quarterback two weeks ago. Houshmandzadeh will
work out for Oakland on Tuesday.

Jackson said the decision to look at Houshmandzadeh had been in the works
for a while and did not have to do with getting a receiver who had worked
previously with Palmer.

“What I need to do is find out what he is,” Jackson said. “I’m going to
do everything I can to improve our football team. I mean, he may not be what he
once was. He may be what he once was. But I get the opportunity to see him, and
see him up close and personal and go from there.”

Houshmandzadeh was at his best with the Bengals with Palmer, catching a
career-high 112 passes for 1,143 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2007. After
averaging 89 catches, for 1,012 yards and seven touchdowns over a five-year span
in Cincinnati, Houshmandzadeh struggled the past two seasons in Seattle and
Baltimore.

He had only 30 catches for 398 yards and three touchdowns with the Ravens
last season and had a key drop late in a playoff loss to Pittsburgh. No one
picked him up this offseason but the Raiders are ready to take a look to see if
he can regain his old form.

“He’s a born leader,” said safety Chinedum Ndukwe(notes), who played with
Houshmandzadeh in Cincinnati. “He’s a competitor. He gets open. You can’t
really explain it. He might not be the fastest guy, he might not look like the
greatest athlete but he gets it done. In the slot, I don’t think there’s any
better in the league in the slot.”

The Raiders had an open spot on their roster this week and used it on
Sheppard. He spent time in training camp with the Raiders and played in the
final exhibition game before being cut. He had not caught on with any other team
and was brought back by the Raiders, who have two cornerbacks banged up in Chris
Johnson and Chimdi Chekwa(notes).

Sheppard worked out for a handful of teams over the last few months,
including the Raiders a few weeks ago.

“I’ve been preparing as if it was going to happen that next day each day,”
Sheppard said. “But it was a relief because I felt like I was doing a pretty
good job here and I kind of couldn’t understand it (being released) but then
they called me back so they appreciated some of what I was doing so that was a
big help.”

Sheppard is a former Pro Bowler but started only two games for Minnesota
last season. He started nine games for the New York Jets in 2009 and three for
Philadelphia the previous season. He had been a starter for the Eagles before
that, intercepting 14 passes from 2004 to 2006.

His coverage numbers have dropped in recent years, according to STATS LLC.
Sheppard allowed quarterbacks to complete 58 percent of their passes in his
direction the past three seasons with 10 touchdowns, two interceptions and a
97.6 quarterback rating. In his first five seasons, Sheppard allowed opponents
to catch 56.7 percent of their passes with 11 TDs, 17 interceptions and a 72.3
rating.

“He was somebody that I always watched, especially when I was a rookie,”
Raiders cornerback Stanford Routt(notes) said. “He has always had good feet, good
instincts and for someone that is undersized, he plays much bigger than his
size. He is definitely someone that helps the secondary out physically as well
as from a mental aspect.”

The Raiders officially took the past four days off, but the receivers worked
with Palmer on their own to build up some rapport with the new quarterback.
Receiver Jacoby Ford(notes) said that work helped improve the timing of the passing
game, which Jackson said was evident at practice

“I thought he looked really sharp today,” Jackson said. “He did some
really good things today. He really has a grasp of what we’re trying to
accomplish. I think when I heard of what those guys did on those two days,
spending time together really showed out here.”

Notes: RB Darren McFadden(notes) (foot) did not practice and Jackson had no
information on what his status would be for this week. … MLB Rolando McClain(notes)
(ankle) and K Sebastian Janikowski(notes) (hamstring) were among the other players who
did not practice.

Read More: Lito Sheppard (DB – OAK), Nnamdi Asomugha (CB – PHI), New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Denver Broncos

Oakland Raiders fans may see the familiar number 21 roaming the secondary at the Oakland Coliseum whent he Raiders host the Denver Broncos this weekend. Except, this time, the man wearing number 21 will not be Nnamdi Asomugha, but rather, corner back Lito Sheppard.

Sheppard was signed to the Raiders roster during the pre-season, however, the Raiders cut him before the season started, opting instead to go with a rather young and shallow depth at the corner position. Now, with injuries to Chris Johnson and rookie Chimdi Checkwa, the Raiders are looking to add some depth to the already depleted position and have re-signed Sheppard.

Sheppard is a former pro bowl coner back who has spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, the New York Jets and the Philidelphia Eagles. While he was a very good corner for a while, most agree that he is clearly past his prime. In addition, the fact that he had not yet signed with an NFL team hints that he might be past his time in the NFL.

That, however, does not seem to bother the Raiders who are likely more concerned with getting someone who can fill in right away if necessary. Sheppard has already learned a little bit of the playbook due to the time he spent with the Raiders in the pre-season, and has played a good amount of man coverage during his career in the NFL. I do not expect him to get much playing time, but its never a bad thing to have an experienced vet on your team for depth purposes.

Despite having a better record, the Oakland Raiders will have their helmets handed to them Oct. 23. The Kansas City Chiefs are coming off a bye week and will be ready for their third win in a row. Matt Cassel(notes) is finally coming into form. Running back Jackie Battle(notes) was a surprising star in the backfield against the Indianapolis Colts.

Matt Cassel in early 2010.
Wikimedia Commons

Here are more reasons why Kansas City is primed for a huge game.

Heated Rivals

If you can’t get up for a rivalry game, you have no business being in sports. The Raiders and Chiefs have hated each other since Sept. 16, 1960, when the Dallas Texans beat them 34-16 in Oakland as members of the old AFL. Over 100 games later, the Chiefs own a 52-47-2 record against the Silver and Black.

Who can forget the Chiefs taming the Raiders in the 1969 AFL Championship en route to the Super Bowl. Then in December 1991, Kansas City held the Raiders to just six points in the divisional playoffs in Arrowhead Stadium in frigid temperatures.

Play Better Competition

Let’s review the season so far for the Raiders. They are 4-2. That’s nice except all of their wins have come against teams with a .500 record or less . When they beat somebody, then Raiders fans can shout about their team all they want to.

Of course the Chiefs haven’t done much better . The Raiders and Chiefs are very much alike in that they have beaten teams with worse records and lost to teams with better records. At this point, it means both the Raiders and Chiefs are middle-of-the-pack teams.

Different Directions

The Chiefs are headed in a different direction than the Raiders. After starting 0-3, Kansas City has won two games in a row. The passing and running games have improved. Defensively, the Raiders are giving up over 113 yards rushing per game. Now that Kansas City has a running back, that number will only go up.

The Raiders have excelled against teams with weaker defenses. Jason Campbell(notes), before he got hurt, was taking advantage of teams that couldn’t handle his receivers. Carson Palmer(notes), who hasn’t taken a snap in nine months, is too rusty. The quarterback won’t matter in Sunday’s game.

Better Players

The only reason Darren McFadden(notes) leads the NFL in rushing is because four of the six teams they’ve played are in the bottom 10 in run defense. The Buffalo Bills, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets are three of the worst six NFL teams in terms of giving up rushing yards. Now that the Chiefs defense has decided to show up, McFadden will get at least 20 fewer yards.

Despite his shoddy play to start the season, Cassel is a veteran and will come back. He played less than two weeks after having an appendectomy in late 2010. He finally found Dwayne Bowe(notes) against the Colts. The Raiders are the fifth-worst team in the NFL against the pass.

It’s time for Kansas City to take control of the AFC West. It all starts against the Raiders. A day ago I predicted a 24-17 win over the Raiders. Check that. Make that a 31-10 victory.

William Browning is a fan of the Kansas City Chiefs after latching on to the team during the lean years of St. Louis football. Born in the gateway city, he is also a lifelong St. Louis Cardinals fan. He currently resides in Branson, Mo.

Note: This article was written by a Yahoo! contributor. Sign up here to start publishing your own sports content.

The Oakland Raiders acquired
quarterback Carson Palmer from the Cincinnati Bengals two days
after starter Jason Campbell broke his collarbone.

In exchange for Palmer, the Bengals get two draft picks
from Oakland — a first-round choice in 2012 and a second-round
selection in 2013.

Palmer, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, hasn’t played since
after requesting a trade from the Bengals after a 4-12 record
last season. Palmer told Cincinnati television station WCPO in
March that he’d rather retire than return to the Bengals, who
replaced him with rookie Andy Dalton and have a 4-2 record this
year.

“Several factors made us believe that trading Carson to
Oakland was the best move for the Bengals at this time,” Bengals
President Mike Brown said in a release. “The principal
development has been Andy Dalton, who has shown himself to be
one of the best and most exciting young quarterbacks in the NFL.
We have a good, young football team, and Andy can be the
cornerstone of that team for a long time.”

Palmer, 31, had 22,694 passing yards and 154 touchdown
throws over seven seasons in Cincinnati and gives the Raiders an
experienced replacement for Campbell, who had led the team to a
4-2 start.

Oakland, which featured quarterbacks such as Daryle Lamonica, Ken Stabler and Jim Plunkett in the 1970s and ‘80s,
hasn’t finished with a winning record or made the National
Football League playoffs since the 2002 season.

When Campbell was injured in last week’s win over
Cleveland, the Raiders’ remaining quarterbacks were Kyle Boller
and Terrelle Pryor. The Raiders last year released quarterback
JaMarcus Russell, the No. 1 pick in the 2007 draft, after he won
seven games in three seasons with the team.

By trading next year’s first-round pick for Palmer, the
Raiders would be left with only fifth- and sixth-round
selections in 2012. Oakland previously dealt a fourth-round pick
to the Washington Redskins to acquire Campbell last year and
gave up their 2012 third-round choice to take Pryor out of Ohio
State in the NFL’s supplemental draft.

Palmer played at the University of Southern California and
was the first pick in the 2003 NFL draft. He’s agreed to
restructure the $118.75 million contract extension he signed
with the Bengals in 2005, ESPN said, citing unidentified people.

Palmer has been working out in Southern California with
former New York Jets quarterback Ken O’Brien, ESPN said. Palmer
previously worked with Raiders coach Hue Jackson in Cincinnati,
where Jackson was the Bengals’ receivers coach from 2004 to
2006.

Palmer passed for 3,970 yards, 26 touchdowns and 20
interceptions for the Bengals last season. He was voted to the
Pro Bowl for the first time in 2005, when he threw for 32
touchdowns and 12 interceptions to lead Cincinnati to an 11-5
record, and topped 4,000 passing yards in each of the next two
seasons. Palmer had a 46-51 record as the Bengals’ starter.

The NFL’s trade deadline is at 4 p.m. New York time today.
The St. Louis Rams yesterday acquired wide receiver Brandon Lloyd from the Denver Broncos for a 2012 draft pick.

To contact the reporter on this story:
Erik Matuszewski in New York at
matuszewski@bloomberg.net

To contact the editor responsible for this story:
Michael Sillup at
msillup@bloomberg.net