Barring any personnel moves, and the Raiders haven't done much in that area through training camp, Higgins gets another shot in the third preseason game against Arizona. Lane Kiffin said there are simply no other options on the roster, particularly with rookie Tyvon Branch and DeAngelo Hall both wearing casts on their right hands.

Branch, a safety who can return kickoffs, has a broken thumb. Hall, who can return punts, has a torn tendon.

--CB Nick Sanchez was signed to the 80-man roster to provide depth and had two interceptions during practice, but was victimized on a third-and-long against Tennessee.

--LB Malik Jackson, an undrafted free agent from Louisville who had not made much of an impression, was waived.

--LB Edgerton Hartwell was waived in favor of P Glenn Pakulak when P Shane Lechler suffered a quadriceps strain.

--P Glenn Pakulak had a 44.5 average and a long of 71 yards subbing for P Shane Lechler against Tennessee.

--PK Aaron Elling connected on a 56-yard field goal -- the club record in the regular season is 55 -- on the last play of the first half against Tennessee while subbing for Sebastian Janikowski.

BATTLE OF THE WEEK: Drew Carter vs. Ronald Curry at starting WR -- Curry had a pair of catches against Tennessee, including one in which he faked out a defender on a quick out and gained an additional seven yards. Carter will start this week and play into the third quarter. It's a bigger deal for Carter than Curry. Even if Curry doesn't start, he will be a slot receiver and a preferred target on third down.

OTHER BATTLE FRONTS: Jake Grove vs. John Wade at C -- Wade started against Tennessee and had some difficulties against a difficult Titans interior. Grove appears to have the lead, a smaller, quicker player in the zone-blocking system. Wade's status as a center only -- Grove can play guard -- could make him vulnerable in terms of the 53-man roster if he doesn't start. ... Chaz Schilens vs. Todd Watkins for fifth WR -- Schilens had three tough catches in traffic for 45 yards and may have pulled even with Watkins, a street free agent who has been a camp standout. ... Robert Thomas vs. Sam Williams as a reserve LB -- Ricky Brown appears to have won the starting job, but which one of the former starters sticks? Williams made a big hit on special teams against the Titans and is a favorite of the owner, which could give him an edge.

PLAYER OF THE WEEK: TE Zach Miller -- Miller not only caught four passes for 48 yards and secured a 10-yard bullet from JaMarcus Russell against Tennessee, but has caught everything within range since the first day of practice and could be the most productive Raiders tight end since Todd Christensen.

ROOKIE REPORT: RB Darren McFadden faded in practice under a considerable physical and mental workload, but looked good when the lights went on, with his 26-yard run leading to a late field goal in the first half. ... S Tyvon Branch is recovering from a broken right thumb and did not suit up against the Titans. ... WR Arman Shields continues to miss practice with a sore knee after reconstructive surgery in his senior year at Richmond and could be a candidate for injured reserve. ... DE Trevor Scott, a sixth-round pick, is only 248 pounds but has promise as a pass rusher. The Raiders might try and sneak him on to the practice squad. ... WR Chaz Schilens made a move toward being relevant with three receptions for 45 yards, all of them in difficult traffic, against Tennessee.

INJURY REPORT: Both kickers, punter Shane Lechler (quad) and Sebastian Janikowski (hamstring), missed the Titans game and could sit again this week as the Raiders make sure they are available for Week 1.

CB DeAngelo Hall (hand) said his right hand was not broken but that he has a torn tendon. He will be ready to start the season.

CB Nnamdi Asomugha (foot) said he is in pain when cutting but will be ready when the season begins.

WR Arman Shields (knee) has missed as many practices as he has made and could be destined for injured reserve.

CB John Bowie (knee) could be another candidate for injured reserve unless he reaches an injury settlement and is cut.