Now it's the regular-season opener. On Russell's right is receiver Ronald Curry, with Ashley Lelie lined up wide left.

No telling who will appear if Russell blinks. On Sunday, Russell will be looking at rookie Chaz Schilens and second-year player Johnnie Lee Higgins in a seemingly never-ending rotation of receivers used by the Raiders this season.

"It's more difficult probably for JaMarcus," Raiders coach Tom Cable said, "but that's not going to be an excuse."

Carter never made it out of training camp. He sustained a season-ending knee injury and is on the injured-reserve list. Walker battled injuries throughout training camp, missed the opener and went down for good after Oakland's ninth game.

Lelie and Curry sustained injuries last Sunday against the New England Patriots and aren't expected to play Sunday against the Houston Texans.

"It's like if it ain't one thing, it's another," Russell said. "When things are moving on with you and that guy, then something happens, and you move on to the next guy. "... The only thing this can do is make us stronger."

The Raiders never have been weaker at receiver, at least in terms of production. Curry leads the pack with 19 receptions. Higgins' 258 yards are the most among the seven receivers who have graced the 53-man roster this season. None has more than two touchdowns.

The Raiders remain the lone team without a a receiver to have a 100-yard game this season. At this rate, the Raiders are about to add a couple of more entries into the record book.

The franchise record for the fewest receptions by the top receiver in a season is 27, by Alan Goldstein in 1960 and Dobie Craig in 1962. Charles Hardy holds the team record for fewest receiving yards by the leading receiver in a season, with 423 in 1960.

Oakland's receivers have combined for 67 receptions for 960 yards and seven touchdowns. By comparison, Texans receiver Andre Johnson arrives in Oakland today with a league-leading 103 receptions for a league-best 1,408 yards and six touchdowns this season.

"We know who we are," said Curry, who has led the Raiders in receptions the past two seasons, with 55 in 2007 and 62 in"?'06. "We want to run the ball and (receivers) get three or four chances, maybe, a game to make a play. As a receiver, you're going to block a lot. When there's a chance to make a play, you better make it because you never know."

Cable said he is hopeful that things will improve in terms of production by his receivers as Russell gains a better grasp of the offense, the blocking becomes more consistent and the receivers regain their health.

Until then, Russell spends most of his time looking for tight end Zach Miller and running back Darren McFadden on pass plays.

Schilens and Higgins have combined for 22 receptions this season. Backups Jonathan Holland and Todd Watkins still are seeking their first NFL receptions.

Russell said he is looking forward to working with different receivers. He, too, refuses to use injuries as an excuse.

"We have had enough time to practice with each other, so I won't say that," Russell said. "But it's a lot different when you have different guys every week. We have been practicing for the whole entire year now, so it's those guys' time to step up. They get a chance. One of their wishes was to be starting. They get their chance and their wish."

Notes: Miller (stinger), fullback Luke Lawton (concussion) and defensive tackle Tommy Kelly (knee) were limited in practice. However, all are expected to play Sunday, Cable said.

Contact Steve Corkran at scorkran@bayareanewsgroup.comPlaying catch-upHow Texans' wide receiver Andre Johnson's numbers in 2008 compare with the Raiders wide receivers totals:RaidersJohnson WRs103 Receptions 671,408 Yards 96013.7 Average 14.36 Touchdowns 7