Even then, Woodson played only a down here and there on offense and never for an extended period. He also returned punts on occasion. On Sunday, the Raiders just might see Denver Broncos rookie Spencer Larsen on every play offense, defense and special teams.

Larsen started at fullback and middle linebacker, and played special teams, against the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday in a 24-20 victory.

"I know my job," Larsen said after the game. "I was out there to run into people."

That, he did. Larsen recorded seven tackles and paved the way for a Broncos rushing attack that amassed 124 yards and two touchdowns.

Larsen is the first player to start on offense and defense in the same game since Orlando Brown did so for the Cleveland Browns against the Raiders on Oct. 12, 2003.

Larsen emerged from training camp as a long shot despite missing time because of the death of his 2-year-old niece and the birth of his son. His playing time in exhibition games consisted of less than four quarters.

Clady shines

Some so-called draft experts projected the Raiders trading away the No. 4 pick they used on running back Darren McFadden in the NFL draft in April so that they could get two or more draft picks in return.

From there, the Raiders could select left offensive tackle Ryan Clady at No. 10 or so and add another player later in the first or second round.

The Raiders are quite happy with McFadden, thank you. However, the Broncos scored a direct hit with Clady at No. 12.

Clady, 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, started the first 10 games and has developed into a top-tier player at one of the most difficult and important positions.

"I can't think of another guy I would rather have than him right now," Broncos coach Mike Shanahan said. "He has played at a very high level. He has a great future, and he handles himself great on and off the Football field. You couldn't ask for anything more."

Clady's impressive play has enabled Broncos quarterback Jay Cutler to stand in the pocket without fear of being blind-sided. Clady has allowed only one-half of one sack and committed no false-start penalties. By comparison, Raiders left offensive tackle Kwame Harris has nine false-start penalties and has allowed several sacks in eight games.

"You don't find many rookies that are able to come in and play right away "... ," Cutler said. "We are able to do a lot more things with him because he's so solid back there."

Extra points

Center Jake Grove (calf) and linebacker Ricky Brown (groin) missed practice for the third straight day. They will not play Sunday, Raiders coach Tom Cable said. "... Wide receiver Chaz Schilens (ankle) was limited in practice and is questionable for Sunday's game. Therefore, Ronald Curry will start for the first time since Cable benched him after the fifth game. Curry led the Raiders with six receptions for 73 yards last Sunday against the Miami Dolphins . "... De La Salle High School graduate D.J. Williams is Denver's leading tackler this season. However, a knee injury prevented him from playing last Sunday and will keep him out this Sunday.

Steve Corkran