With rookie S Tyvon Branch breaking his right thumb, it could mean Higgins has a chance to be a double-duty return man as Chris Carr was for the Raiders the last three seasons.

--OL Mark Wilson was waived/injured after suffering a broken leg last week.

--PK Aaron Elling was signed to the roster before the 49ers game to take over for Sebastian Janikowski, who has a minor injury to his kicking leg.

--CB Michael Waddell, a long-shot to make the roster, was victimized repeatedly in coverage against the 49ers but recovered a pair of fumbles.

--RB Louis Rankin, an undrafted free agent who is a long-shot to make the 53-man roster because of the presence of rookie Darren McFadden, Justin Fargas and Michael Bush, ripped off a 72-yard run against the 49ers and led all rushers with 91 yards.

--WR Ronald Curry sat out the 49ers game when his hamstring tightened during warm-ups.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Todd Watkins vs. Arman Shields and Chaz Schilens for WR spot -- Watkins caught three passes for 39 yards, carrying over his practice performance into the game. An undrafted street free agent, Watkins has been a camp standout. Shields is a fourth-rounder whose surgically repaired knee keeps him out of practice occasionally. Schilens, a seventh-rounder, caught a two-point conversion pass against the 49ers. Watkins has outplayed both draft picks. A possibility is putting Shields on injured reserve and hoping to keep Schilens on the practice squad.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Ricky Brown vs. Robert Thomas at SLB -- Lane Kiffin said special teams could decide which one starts and sticks, and Brown is superior. Problem is, he missed the 49ers game due to injury and Thomas played well ... Mario Henderson vs. Seth Wand as backup OT -- Henderson has been a disappointment during practice but his level of play has picked up of late. However, he isn't as dependable as Wand ... John Wade vs. Chris Morris as backup C -- With Jake Grove looking like the probable starter, Morris' status as the backup right guard gives him the edge.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: QB Andrew Walter -- He has pulled away in what looked to be a close race with Marques Tuiasosopo to back up JaMarcus Russell. He has looked more comfortable every day operating an offense not suited to his strengths and appears to be a viable option if Russell goes down.

ROOKIE REPORT: RB Darren McFadden will be a part of the Raiders offense. The only question is how many different ways will Lane Kiffin find to get him the ball in the open space. ... S Tyvon Branch sustained a broken thumb but the hope is he can be ready to start the regular season. By then, he may be looking at the weekly inactive list. ... Arman Shields may not be practicing enough to stick to the roster. ... DE Trevor Scott, a fifth-round pick, came on all of a sudden in the 49ers practice sessions as a pass rusher after doing almost nothing before. He carried it through the preseason game and stands a real chance to stick. With Kiffin saying the Raiders will probably keep five receivers, and four spots appearing locked up, Chaz Schilens may be looking at the practice squad.

INJURY REPORT: OL Mark Wilson was waived/injured after suffering a broken leg last week.