The Raiders released Jordan in July in response to the emergence last season of Justin Fargas as a legitimate every-down running back and the selection of Darren McFadden in the first round of the NFL draft in April. The Patriots scooped up Jordan in short order.

Things started well for Jordan, and then a familiar roadblock surfaced: injury. Jordan sustained a calf injury Oct. 5 against the 49ers and missed the next eight games. He returned Sunday against the Seattle Seahawks and rushed for 18 yards on four carries.

Jordan was Oakland's lead back in 2005, '06 and the early part of last season. He was second in the league in rushing at 424 yards through four games last season but sustained a back injury midway through the fourth game.

Fargas replaced Jordan and rushed for 179 yards on 22 carries. From there, Fargas cut into Jordan's playing time and eventually replaced him as the starter.

Jordan has amassed 124 yards rushing (4.4-yard average) without a touchdown in five games this season.

"When he has had an opportunity to play, he has been productive," Patriots coach Bill Belichick said. "He has made some tough yards for us and, hopefully, he will continue to do that."

Cassel vs. Russell

Patriots fourth-year quarterback Matt Cassel entered this season with only 39 pass attempts in the NFL. He attempted only 33 passes in four seasons at Southern Cal and arrived with the Patriots as a seventh-round selection (No. 230 overall) in the 2005 NFL draft. His base salary is about $500,000.

Raiders second-year quarterback JaMarcus Russell attempted 66 passes as a rookie in 2007. The Raiders selected him No. 1 overall in the NFL draft and signed him to a contract that guarantees him $32 million.

Yet, one wouldn't be able to tell whose resume was gaudier by their respective performances this season. Cassel has completed 64 percent of his passes for 3,052 yards and 14 touchdowns. Russell is at 51.4 percent, 1,797 yards and seven touchdowns.

Opposites attract

The Patriots are 21-2 in December over the past six seasons after their 24-21 victory over Seattle on Sunday. By comparison, the Raiders are 3-21 in December over the same span, including a loss against the San Diego Chargers on Dec. 4.

Bring those toys

McFadden and running back Michael Bush are scheduled to sign autographs in exchange for toys next Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at NewPark Mall in Newark as part of the U.S. Marines Toys for Tots program. Also, Marines representatives will be at the Raiders game against the Houston Texans on Dec. 21 to collect new, unwrapped toys valued at $20 or more.

Extra points

Raiders coach Tom Cable said managing general partner Al Davis is "fine." Davis was taken to a local hospital for outpatient treatment on his knee after he slipped and fell while the Raiders were in San Diego for a game against the Chargers last week. "Mr. Davis hurt his knee and ankle, but he is fine and will be at Sunday's game," Raiders senior executive John Herrera said. "... Russell (ankle) and center Jake Grove (calf) made it through practice Friday for a third straight day without aggravating their injuries. Both are probable for Sunday's game.

Steve Corkran