Grove Wins Duel
Jake Grove beats out John Wade for the Raiders’ starting center position, coach Lane Kiffin told reporters Aug. 26.
"It was very close," Kiffin said. "Both guys played extremely well in preseason. (We) gave them both starts, (we) gave them equal opportunities, and Jake … — I wouldn’t have guessed it when we signed (Wade) — ended up beating him out."
Grove, 28, started only two games during the 2007 season reportedly because of a sore right knee. The former Virginia Tech All-America started 32 games during his first three seasons with Oakland.
Wade, 33, signed with Oakland during the 2008 offseason. He started all 16 games with Tampa Bay in 2007.
"I knew after getting hurt, I couldn’t’ come in and mess around, Man," Grove told reporters Aug. 26. "This was kind of make-or-break. That probably added a little extra motivation for me."
Grove reportedly underwent surgery on his right knee almost three years ago. Microfracture surgery after the 2007 season helped eliminate his discomfort. "This is the best it has felt since my rookie year," he said.
Lost Season
Wide receiver Drew Carter and fullback Oren O’Neal sustained season-ending left knee injuries during the first quarter of Oakland’s 24-0 Week 3 exhibition loss to Arizona, Raiders coach Lane Kiffin told reporters Aug. 24.
Carter suffered a torn ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) at the end of a 7-yard catch. He was being counted on as a No. 3 receiver behind starters Javon Walker and Ronald Curry.
Carter and O'Neal were placed on injured reserve Aug. 25, making them inelgible for the 2008 season.
Carter reportedly already has endured three ACL injuries and as many knee surgeries in his five-year NFL career. He signed a reported one-year, $2 million deal with Oakland after establishing career highs of 38 catches, 517 yards and four touchdowns for Carolina in 2007.
O’Neal, who turns 25 on Sept. 8, reportedly had his knee buckle on him during the opening kickoff. The Raiders did not specify the second-year player’s injury.
Asked by reporters if the injury could be career threatening, Kiffin responded: "It could be. I never want to say that, but it’s as bad as it can get, as far as issues with the knee, according to Rod (Martin, trainer). Unfortunately, it will be a long process."
O’Neal was chosen by the Raiders in the sixth round (175th overall) of the 2007 NFL draft. The former Arkansas State starter made Oakland’s opening-day, 53-man roster and developed into a dependable blocker and solid special teams player.
