The Oakland Raiders released their cut downs before Saturday’s deadline. There were few surprises among the names listed. The biggest surprises of this batch of cuts were swing interior offensive lineman Chris Morris and reserve defensive lineman Jay Richardson.
Quarterback: The shape of this position emerged once Charile Frye went down to injury and Bruce Gradkowski returned from his. Jason Campbell will be starting with Gradkowski and Kyle Boller behind him.
Cuts: Colt Brennan was brought on as a camp arm and insurance policy against the injuries to Gradkowski and Frye. He may be brought back onto the practice squad.
Running back: Despite Tom Cable’s early declaration that Rock Cartwright and Michael Bennett would not both make the team, their strong performances and Michel Bush‘s thumb injury paved the way for them both to make the team behind Bush and McFadden. Marcel Reece was the only fullback to break camp with the team.
Cuts: Luke Lawton was released. Manase Tonga was released after a strong camp, look for him to appear on the practice squad.
Wide receivers: Johnnie Lee Higgins survived his camp without the bubble bursting under him. 2009 camp sensation Nick Miller added a few more highlights to his resume and won a second year in Silver and Black. Yamon Figures and Jacoby Ford will also be part of the depth behind Chaz Schilens, Louis Murphy, and Darrius Heyward-Bey
Cuts: Todd Watkins spent two years at the fringe of the Raiders roster, but could not fight his way to a third. Shaun Bodiford was a long shot from the beginning.
Tight ends: Zach Miller and Brandon Myers are the only two tight ends who made the roster. The Raiders have used a lot of extra tackle formations to take over the blocking tight end position.
Cuts: John Owens could not make the grade.
Offensive linemen: Robert Gallery, Cooper Carlisle, Mario Henderson, and Langston Walker entered camp as starters and leave camp the same way. Samson Satele has been demoted with rookie tackle convert Jared Veldheer taking over the starting center position. Khalif Barnes, Daniel Looper, Bruce Campbell, and Erik Pears will be providing depth.
Cuts: Chris Morris, who started the 2009 season at center, was released. Alex Parsons and Brandon Rodd, neither of whom saw much action in camp or in preseason games were given their walking papers.
Defensive line: This unit underwent nearly a complete transformation from 2009 to 2010. Richard Seymour moved inside to join Tommy Kelly. Matt Shaughnessy and Lamarr Houston took over the end positions. John Henderson and Desmond Bryant will provide rotation at the defensive tackle position.
Cuts: Jay Richardson could not hold on to the depth end role that he had since 2007. Greyson Gunheim had been a practice squad guy for two years, but is no longer ps eligible. William Joseph is no surprise to see on this list. He was on and off the roster multiple times in 2009. Chris Cooper fought hard and made a solid case to come back, but in the end the defensive tackle position was to crowded. Kellen Heard and Alex Daniels are both practice squad candidates.
Linebacker: Trevor Scott, Rolando McClain and Kamerion Wimbley comprise the remade linebacking corps. Former starter Thomas Howard will be used in a reduced role. Ricky Brown and Sam Williams used their special teams acumen to get another year in Silver and Black. Newcomer Quentin Groves will be part of the rotation, as well rookie Travis Goethel.
Cuts: David Nixon and Slade Norris will be looking for another home.
Defensive backs: Despite the idiotic rumor that was floated on twitter last night, Mike Mitchell was not cut today. He joined Nnamdi Asomugha, Chris Johnson, Tyvon Branch, Stanford Routt, Hiram Eugene, and Michael Huff as veterans who made the team yet again. Rookies Stevie Brown, Walter McFadden, and Jeremy Ware all will be breaking camp in Silver and Black as well.
Cuts: The “Joes” Joey Thomas and Joe Porter received their pink slips. Second year player Jerome Boyd also will be looking for a new team.
Special teams: No surprises as Sebastian Janikowski, Shane Lechler, and Jon Condo are all among the best at their positions.
Cuts: Swayze Waters, we hardly knew ya!
NOTES:
There is one move that the Raiders have yet to announce. It is expected to be placing either Desmond Bryant or Walter McFadden on the injured reserve.
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