ALAMEDA, Calif. — Raiders quarterback JaMarcus Russell was unable to finish practice Thursday because of tendinitis in his right knee.
Russell took most of the reps with the first-team offense but was held out of the final eight plays after complaining of soreness in his knee.
“It’s more precautionary than anything else,” coach Tom Cable said. “We kind of did it just to hold him back. He did a great (job) today, so the last eight reps weren’t going to matter.”
Backup quarterback Andrew Walter finished practice in place of Russell but was also limited due to a lingering calf strain. Russell is expected to play Sunday against the Panthers.
The Raiders could be without rookie running back Darren McFadden for a third straight game. McFadden has been sidelined with turf-toe injuries in both feet, though it is his left foot that is causing the Raiders’ first-round draft pick the most concern.
Cable said he hopes to make a decision about McFadden’s status today.
Parker ailing
PITTSBURGH — Steelers running back Willie Parker missed practice for the second day in a row because of a shoulder injury — not the sprained knee that kept him out of four games — and his status for Sunday’s game against the Colts is uncertain.
Ben Roethlisberger, dealing with a slightly separated right shoulder and a left pinkie ligament injury, also didn’t practice. The quarterback is optimistic about practicing today and playing against the Colts.
Jackson hopeful for Jets game
ST. LOUIS — Rams running back Steven Jackson, nursing a sore thigh, did not practice for the second consecutive day but is optimistic he will play Sunday against the Jets.
“I am optimistic, very optimistic,” Jackson said. “I’m hoping maybe even Saturday if I can, during the walkthrough, have my own personal practice and see if I am able to burst.”
But interim coach Jim Haslett said if Jackson can’t practice today, he won’t play Sunday.
“We have to see full speed, hit the hole, running through the hole like he is 100 percent,” Haslett said.
Footnotes.
49ers receiver Arnaz Battle (foot), safety Dashon Goldson (knee) and starting right tackle Barry Sims (ankle) will miss Monday night’s game at Arizona because of injuries.
• Panthers rookie running back Jonathan Stewart missed his second straight practice and was in a walking boot to protect his sore left heel. His status for Sunday’s game at Oakland is uncertain.
• Matt Hasselbeck did not make his anticipated return to the practice field, casting some doubt over whether the Seahawks quarterback will be ready to make his scheduled start Nov. 16 against Arizona.
• Bills top pass rusher Aaron Schobel will spend at least the next week with his left foot in a cast.
• Jaguars linebacker Mike Peterson was sent home for the second consecutive day and probably will be benched or suspended for Sunday’s game at Detroit.
• Jets linebacker David Harris will be out at least two to three weeks after having surgery on his injured groin. The Associated Press
