Raiders look at Plan 'C' at QB
With Russell still absent, Culpepper will work out today
By Steve Corkran, MEDIANEWS STAFF
Article Last Updated: 07/31/2007 02:33:19 AM PDT
NAPA — The Raiders are cranking up the heat on no-show quarterback JaMarcus Russell by working out free agent Daunte Culpepper this morning.
Coach Lane Kiffin confirmed the move Monday night, one day after he characterized the contract negotiations between the Raiders and No. 1 draft pick Russell as "going kind of slow."
On Monday, Kiffin said progress is being made. Maybe so, but apparently not enough to his and the Raiders liking.
"I have great confidence in our people back in the office (in Alameda)," Kiffin said.
"They do keep me updated. Things are going well at this time. At the end of the day, we have to do the best thing in the interest for the Raiders and for our future. I know our people are doing that right now."
The Raiders made Russell the first selection of the NFL draft in April. However, they haven't been able to hammer out a long-term contract with Russell in more than three months since that time.
"We're flying (Culpepper) in," Kiffin said. "Any time you have a chance to investigate something that could help our team win, we're going to do it. Obviously, Daunte is something we've been looking into a little bit, and this is the climax of it."
Kiffin said the Raiders sent a front-office employee to Florida to work out Culpepper on Monday and, based on that, set up today's workout. Russell's absence is a factor in this decision, he added.
"Sure it has to do with that," Kiffin said. "You've got to take everything
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into consideration.
"You've got to protect your team, you've got to put your team in the best position to win and make sure you have the right depth and the right competition. So, obviously, that factors into it."
Culpepper, 30, started the four games he played for Miami last season.
He was released July 17 on the heels of the Dolphins signing former Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Trent Green. Culpepper worked out for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers two days later but wasn't offered a contract.
Kiffin said Sunday that the impasse stems from "money." Russell is at his mother's house in Mobile (Ala.). Russell's agent, Eric Metz, said by phone that his policy is not to discuss contract negotiations with the media.
Russell missed his fifth and sixth practices Monday. His teammates reported to Napa on Thursday and started practice Friday.
Veterans Josh McCown and Andrew Walter are splitting reps at quarterback in Russell's absence. Kiffin gushed over McCown on Monday.
"He's shown us that he continues to make plays," Kiffin said. "As you watch the film ... he's not scared of anything. He's throwing the ball (well), he's got a great feel for the rush, he's getting rid of the ball even before he's supposed to because he feels something on his backside. He's fitting in really well."
EXTRA POINTS: Tight end Randal Williams missed both practices because of "personal issues," Kiffin said. Cornerback Duane Starks (hamstring), tight end James Adkisson (hamstring), offensive tackle Chad Slaughter (calf), cornerback John Bowie (Achilles tendon) and guard Ben Claxton (knee) also missed practice. Running back LaMont Jordan (back) was held out of the evening practice after getting banged up in the morning workout. ... Jeremy Newberry is splitting first-team reps with Jake Grove at center.
since just before his knee injury. How quickly he fell.
