Luke Lawton assumes the role of the starter, and he has neither the experience in the offense Griffith had nor the power run-blocking skill of O'Neal.

As a result, the Raiders could opt for more single-back sets, empty backfield sets and utilize extra tight ends and wide receivers.

PLAYER NOTES

--LB Ricky Brown did not practice Thursday with a groin injury and may not play against Atlanta, with Robert Thomas taking his place in the starting lineup

--CB DeAngelo Hall did not practice Thursday but was not on the injury report. He was given the day off by coach Tom Cable.

--DE Derrick Burgess did not practice Thursday with a triceps strain and will likely miss his fourth consecutive game against the Falcons.

--RB Darren McFadden did not practice Thursday with left turf toe and, if he doesn't practice Friday, probably will be inactive for the second straight game.

--S Gibril Wilson did not practice Thursday with a toe injury but coach Tom Cable said he expected him to play.

--LB Jon Alston missed practice Thursday with a foot sprain and will likely miss his second straight game.

--QB Andrew Walter was limited with a calf strain Thursdaybut is expected to be available to back up JaMarcus Russell against Atlanta.

--FS Michael Huff was limited Thursday with a thumb injury but should be available to play against Atlanta.

--SS Tyvon Branch may replace Johnnie Lee Higgins on kickoff returns against Atlanta and would start at strong safety if S Gibril Wilson couldn't play.

--T Seth Wand was released from injured reserve with an injury settlement.

GAME PLAN: The Raiders are struggling with their running game, something they did not expect. They have also seen Russell give glimpses of the potential that made him the No. 1 overall pick, even in the way he took a beating in Baltimore and completed some big passes against a defense far superior to what they'll see in Atlanta. As a result, look for Oakland to become more aggressive in the passing game and look to attack Atlanta's secondary. Defensively, the Raiders have given up 556 yards in three games and will play eight men in the box if need be to slow the run and put the game in the hands of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Raiders LT Kwame Harris vs. Falcons DE John Abraham. Harris had another difficult road game against the Ravens, particularly on an early snap when he was beaten around the edge before he had a chance to make a move. He still has the confidence of Cable, who said he has no plans to insert second-year tackle Mario Henderson. The good news for Oakland is Harris has been much more effective in home games. He'll need to be, because Abraham is thriving under Mike Smith's plan on having him play fewer snaps, keeping him fresh for speed rushes which are his strength. Abraham has seven sacks in seven games.

Falcons SS Lawyer Milloy vs. Raiders TE Zach Miller. Milloy remains a good leader and a physical presence in the secondary, but his primary function is to serve as a run-stopper. Miller was actually held without a reception in the third game of the season, only the second time in his first 17 games that happened, but ever since has caught 14 passes for an 18.1 average -- well above anything he did at a rookie. He also happens to be Russell's most trusted receiver in terms of reliability.

INJURY IMPACT: The combination of RB Darren McFadden's turf toe, which will make him either slowed or inactive, and the first start for Lawton at fullback means Oakland will likely use more empty backfield or single back sets and open up the game a little more for Russell through the air. If Burgess is out again, it puts Jay Richardson on the left side and means more snaps for Trevor Scott, who had two sacks against the Jets but as an undersized rookie end, couldn't handle the physicality of the Ravens and presents a target for the Atlanta running game and Michael Turner.