QB Russell’s career is threatened by his off-field trouble

The former Oakland Raiders starting quarterback JaMarcus Russell recently added some more obstacles to his NFL future by getting arrested for possession of codeine. The former first overall draft pick had been already devaluated after being cut by the Raiders but still had chance to negotiate with some weak teams interested in his talents. However, the recent legal trouble just caused all teams to shy away.

According to recent reports, Russell attracted more concerns on his incompetence as a quarterback. Previously, there were still reports saying that he could have chance to put on Saints jersey if he was willing to play as backup to Drew Brees. But now the Saints definitely have crossed his name off from the list of their options in backup quarterback. Nevertheless, it does not necessarily mean the end of Russell’s football career.

Russell could follow the example of former Miami Dolphins running back Ricky Williams, who also had drug issues but found refuge by joining a Canadian Football League. And it was reported that Russell has already attracted attention from a CFL team, the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, who like to add Russell so that they could draw more attention and fans.

Raiders QB Gradkowski may not play Sunday against Broncos

As the Oakland Raiders quarterback Bruce Gradkowski tore medial collateral ligament in both knees during last Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins, a lot began to guess who would start for the Raiders this week against the Denver Broncos.

According to Raiders Coach Tom Cable, former starter JaMarcus Russell and third-stringer Charlie Frye have equal chance to get the starting job if Gradkowski is unable to wear back his Raiders jersey to start Sunday’s game. The coach said he will have a decision by Wednesday.

Gradkowski completed 10 of 18 pass attempts for 153 yards in the first half against the Redskins, leading the Raiders to 10 points. And the Raiders only managed three points and 39 yards in the second half with Russell replacing Gradkowski on the quarterback. So if it is any way possible, the Raiders would still like to start Gradkowski, who won two of his three starts, engineering comeback victories against Cincinnati and Pittsburgh before the injury.

Raiders starting QB is now Gradkowski

After the Oakland Raiders Coach Tom Cable had a meeting with all the three quarterbacks possible to start in their Raiders jerseys Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, he announced after Wednesday practice that journeyman Bruce Gradkowski will be the starter.

As Cable said this was not a temporary move, that his plan is to stick with Gradkowski, former No. 1 overall pick JaMarcus Russell may have lost his starting job for the season. What is his feeling to Cable’s decisions, including the one to bench him in last Sunday’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs? The player was not available to make a comment during the media access period but Cable said that Russell was disappointed but still worked hard in practice.

Russell will be the No. 2 quarterback this week against the Bengals. Unless he made significant improvements in his effectiveness, accuracy and decision-making, it is unlikely that he would get the starting job back this season.