Raiders' Carter, O'Neal are done for the season

0 Comments | Oakland Tribune, Aug 24, 2008 | by Steve Corkran

ALAMEDA -- Raiders coach Lane Kiffin's worst fears were realized Sunday when he learned that wide receiver Drew Carter and fullback Oren O'Neal are lost for the entire season.

Carter and O'Neal sustained left knee injuries within a five- play span at the beginning of Oakland's exhibition game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday night.

Kiffin said Carter tore his anterior cruciate ligament. O'Neal's injury isn't as clear-cut, Kiffin said, and involves a lot of damage.

"It could be," Kiffin said, when asked if O'Neal's injury is career-threatening. "I never want to say that, but it's as bad as it can get, as far as issues with the knee, according to Rod (Martin, trainer). Unfortunately, it will be a long process."

O'Neal was Oakland's sixth-round selection in the 2007 NFL draft. He surprised many by making the opening-day, 53-man roster and soon developed into a dependable blocker and core special teams player.

He was slated to receive even more playing time this season and, perhaps unseat veteran Justin Griffith in the starting lineup. Now, he faces a long road to recovery and a possible return to the NFL.

Kiffin said he intends to scour the free-agent pool in the coming days in hopes of finding an experienced player to complement Griffith.

"We really only have one with Justin," Kiffin said of his fullback options.

O'Neal's knee buckled on the game's opening kickoff as he squared his body in preparation for making a block. He dropped to the ground and lay there for a while until he was helped from the field.

Carter's injury came at the end of a 7-yard reception as he was tackled by Cardinals linebacker Gerald Hayes. He immediately rolled over, grabbed his left knee and awaited help from two team trainers.

Carter already has endured three ACL injuries and as many knee surgeries in his five-year NFL career. He was competing against Ronald Curry for a starting spot opposite Javon Walker until his season ended on an innocent-looking play.

Kiffin said he spoke with Carter and O'Neal and that both were dejected.

"Obviously, both were really down, especially Drew," Kiffin said. "He's had so many things like this happen to him. "... He's had a lot of tough breaks injury-wise. He was on a one-year contract, so this was very tough for him."

Now, Kiffin is left with Walker and Curry as the starters and a slew of inexperienced players to choose from for the final three roster spots.

Second-year player Johnnie Lee Higgins caught only six passes for 47 yards his rookie season. Todd Watkins, Jonathan Holland, Drisan James, Arman Shields and Chaz Schilens still are looking for their first NFL reception in a regular-season game.

"None of those guys has really played before "... ," Kiffin said of his backup receivers. "So, it would be tough to only go with two guys who have played before."

Therefore, Kiffin said, he is inclined to wait until one or both of the roster cutdowns this week before deciding whether to add another veteran receiver to the mix.

The first cutdown is Tuesday, with teams required to reduce their 80-man rosters to 75. The final roster cutdown is Saturday, when teams pare their rosters to 53.

Notes: Cornerback Nnamdi Asomugha (ankle) and safeties Rashad Baker (ankle) and Hiram Eugene (hip) aren't expected to practice today, Kiffin said. Asomugha and Baker sustained injuries against the Cardinals. Punter Shane Lechler (quadriceps) also isn't apt to practice today. Kicker Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring) and Shields (knee) are expected back today or Tuesday. "... Kiffin said he is closer to deciding between Jake Grove and John Wade as the starting center. A decision is expected as soon as today.

Contact Steve Corkran at scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.com.