Jul 31st 2008 11:33AM by Ryan Wilson (author feed)
Filed under: Raiders, AFC WestFor a team that has averaged fewer than four wins a season since their 2002 Super Bowl appearance, nothing should come as a surprise anymore. That said, the sight of the franchise quarterback missing practice to ice his arm must’ve been a tad disconcerting, if for no other reason than it led to thoughts of Andrew Walter — or worse — Aaron Brooks magically appearing under center to guarantee another 3.8-win season!

No worries, people. Everything’s fine. With JaMarcus Russell [icing his arm], it was because of an injury which caused him to miss his second straight practice. As of now, no one seems ready to call in Dr. Frank Jobe for consultation.

Coach Lane Kiffin said X-rays were “fine … None whatsoever,” Russell said when asked if there was anything to be overly concerned about. “I’m OK and I’m pretty happy.” Well, if Russell’s happy, we should be, too, I guess. That said, the 2007 first-overall pick admitted that his elbow was “stiff and swollen” after throwing a few passes in a Tuesday morning practice, before the team decided to shut it down.

This only looks like a short-term setback, but if, God forbid, Russell is out of action for an extended period, might I recommend this fine gentleman as his replacement?