Looking deep at the practice squad

Greyson Gunheim was added to the practice
squad. (photo Patrick A. Patterson)

On Sunday, the Oakland Raiders brought back six of the players they had released the day before to fill the practice squad. This gives these guys an opportunity to continue to practice and get ready for their chance to be promoted to the main roster if a player is ineffective or goes down to injury.

The Raiders made good selections for the practice squad, with each one of them a possibility to be able to make the jump to the active roster if called upon. The key is for these players to make the most of their second chance, and work hard to hone their skills to make up the deficits in their game that led them to be cut in the first place.

Without further ado, here is a look at the guys who make up the Raiders practice squad:

Greyson Gunheim-Defensive End: Gunheim has spent time on the Raiders practice squad for the past two years. He recorded a sack during his brief stay on the active roster against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last season. The addition of Richard Seymour may have made his chances of promotion to the active roster more slim, but he has a lot of potential.

Marcel Reece-Fullback: Reece is an intriguing prospect. He is a converted wide receiver who was signed by the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2008. This is his second stint on the practice squad. If O’Neal’s knee gets reinjured, Reece could find his way to the active roster.

David Nixon-Linebacker: Nixon was an undrafted free agent who earned Cable’s praise during minicamp. He had a slow start to the preseason, but came on in the last two games.

Slade Norris-Linebacker: Norris was the Raiders fourth round pick. Cable said that he didn’t get the roster spot becuase he was slow to adjust to playing linebacker after having been a defensive end in college. Look for the Raiders to give him a look if an opening comes available.

Jerome Boyd-Safety: Boyd played out of his mind during the preseason. It is a bit of a surprise that he was able to clear waivers to get named to the practice squad.

Jonathan Holland-Wide receiver: Holland is yet another player who is in his second year on the practice squad. He had a couple of highlights, but lost a tough battle at the wide receiver position.