Raiders Sign Rashad Baker

by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 19, 2009 6:13 PM PDT

Rashad Baker is back and the safety is hoping to catch on. [via cache.daylife.com]

According to a report, the Oakland Raiders have signed safety Rashad Baker.

Baker last cut from the Philadelphia Eagles adds depth to the safety position now that rookie Mike Mitchell is out. Mitchell is out with a hamstring injury that must be concerning the Raider staff more than they have let on to this point.

You might recall that Baker played for the Raiders last season and even played special teams. He had two interceptions against the Carolina Panthers. He finished the 2008 season with 22 solo tackles, four passes defended and three interceptions in six games.

Baker joins the previously mentioned Mitchell and other safeties Jerome Boyd, Tyvon Branch and Michael Huff.

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UPDATE [6:31 p.m. PT]:

And to open that roster spot it looks like LORENZO NEAL was waived....
not happy…

got it from David White’s Twitter

by Wern on Aug 19, 2009 6:21 PM PDT

David White has updates.

Slight stunner: Raiders waived FB Lorenzo Neal to make space for Rashad Baker.
11 minutes ago from mobile web

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And to open that roster spot it looks like LORENZO NEAL was waived....

not happy…

got it from David White’s Twitter

by Wern on Aug 19, 2009 6:21 PM PDT reply actions

Thanks, Wern, and I included it in the post as an update.

The Ultimate Opportunist

by Rated-R Superstar on Aug 19, 2009 6:32 PM PDT up reply actions

No prob. I guess this means Oren O'neal is feeling good...

When healthy, he’s a beast

by Wern on Aug 19, 2009 6:50 PM PDT up reply actions

Multiple reports said...

that O’Neal had to sit a while after the AM session before he limped back to the locker room and as usual only participated in one of the two a days. Two a days are over now but still doesn’t seem like he is anywhere near being healthy.

by dram5780 on Aug 20, 2009 10:48 AM PDT up reply actions

his hamstrings were just sore

nothing more than some stiffness. Nothing major.

"You'll take my life but I'll take yours too. You'll fire you musket but I'll run you through. So when your waiting for the next attack. You'd better stand there's no turning back"- "The Trooper" by Iron Maiden

by KA1Z3R on Aug 20, 2009 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions

Good

by dram5780 on Aug 20, 2009 12:33 PM PDT up reply actions

basically think Heyward-Bey hamstrings

but even less than that.

by KA1Z3R on Aug 20, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions

sweet...

glad to see baker back

weird they cut lorenzo neal…wondered if he was doing pretty bad or what the deal was there…???

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Aug 19, 2009 6:50 PM PDT reply actions

NEAL WAS CUT?!?!?!?!~?!?!?!?!?!?!?

WHAT THE F?!!!?!?! when will al leave? and i hope cable doesnt suck up to him

Rookie: "Why did you bench me?"
Nellie: "Your a rookie"

by dubzfan on Aug 19, 2009 6:54 PM PDT reply actions

When healthy Oren is very similar to Neal......

in blocking ability and ferociousness, but Oren plays ST and can catch, at least better than Neal, out of the backfield.All that and Oren is much younger and probably cheaper, BUT….

They better hope hes healthy cause he tore almost every ligament a man can tear in your knee (Well, 3 out of 4!) and it takes most guys 2 years to get back to normal after just one ligament tear. The Raiders and Oren cant afford to have this happen again simply because they pushed him back too soon……

S&BP > Mile High Mules

by 0akFoSho on Aug 19, 2009 8:08 PM PDT reply actions

wtf

im a little angry rite now. I mean everybody was sayin neal was gonna b the bulldozer for the 3 headed monster and now everybodies saying that he was just there a saftey net if oren oneal wasnt healthy? C’mon we know neal is the games best so why not keep the guy and see what he can do for a year.

Al Davis doesnt sleep...he waits

by singh_is_king on Aug 19, 2009 9:09 PM PDT reply actions

With all the shit goin i have a feeling on what we're gonna expect this year

and it doesnt sound good

Al Davis doesnt sleep...he waits

by singh_is_king on Aug 19, 2009 9:10 PM PDT reply actions

I think that this says a lot about how good Oren O'Neil is

If O’Neil is better than Neal and they both play similar roles with O;Being younger then why carry both

"Mel Kiper has his opinion and I respect it. But what does it mean? My 9-year-old nephew can watch film and make an opinion. I think I value the opinion of scouts who get paid to make their opinions. It will carry me through my career. It will serve as motivation for me." - Mike Mitchell

by Ozraider on Aug 19, 2009 9:45 PM PDT reply actions

+1

o’neal’s probably cheaper too…

Don't confuse me with the facts, my mind is made up!!

by naq92 on Aug 20, 2009 6:46 PM PDT up reply actions

more athletic and multi-talented fullbacks on roster

Lawton is a great pass catcher and wasn’t horrendous blocking, Russell is a good runner and pass catcher who I hear isn’t too shabby a blocker, Reece can catch and run better than any fullback on roster, and O’Neal is a great blocker and a decent pass catcher. Also hear he’s a tough runner.

I’ve read multiple reports saying O’Neal is 100% healthy and is showing no signs of rust or stiffness from being out of football for a year.

Baker won’t push anyone for a starting spot with Branch being the best defensive player in camp and Eugene is a solid free safety who showed a lot of potential last year. Baker is merely some extra depth with Huff being kinda suckish and Mitchell’s hamstring problems not going away.

All in all this is a very smart move by Oakland if O’Neal doesn’t re-injure.

by KA1Z3R on Aug 20, 2009 7:31 AM PDT reply actions

WTF

Why in the hell did we resign Baker, if they were goingto sign anyone then why didnt they SIGN A FREAKIN DT!!! and why waive Lo Neal it doesnt make any sense, I know Oren O’neal is our best FB but Lo Neal has a lot to offer like I dont know LEADERSHIP, HELLO. and hes still a great blocker. I just dont get it, i dont get it.

MEAT IS MURDER!! mmm tasty bloody murder.

by nationofblack on Aug 20, 2009 8:54 AM PDT reply actions

Because Mitchell...

…has a hamstring injury, maybe a bad one if we have to go out and find a replacement.

I hate Jason Marquis!
:=8O

by The MooCow on Aug 20, 2009 11:41 AM PDT up reply actions

it's keeping him out of the Monday night opener

and possibly longer. Plus this has been reoccurring so it’s unknown when he’ll be able to go.

by KA1Z3R on Aug 20, 2009 11:54 AM PDT up reply actions

Mitchell status for MNF

I read his availability for MNF was in question, but hadn’t seen anything confirming he wouldn’t play. Have you seen something different?

Slade Norris destroyed the periodic table, because he only recognizes the element of surprise.

ESPN’s draft coverage missed the moment when Al Davis and Tom Cable each took turns using Mel Kiper’s mock draft as toilet paper. - Chris Shellcroft

by LiveAdam on Aug 20, 2009 12:39 PM PDT up reply actions

I've heard he's questionable

also heard he’s doubtful.

by KA1Z3R on Aug 20, 2009 12:54 PM PDT up reply actions

List of availabel DT's

Kenderick Allen
Dwan Edwards
Gary Gibson
La’roi Glover
Antwan Lake
Brandon McKinney
Dewayne Robertson
Josh Shaw
Ryan Sims
John Thornton
Darwin Walker
Anthony Weaver
Ellis Wyms
Jeff Zgonina

This is the list from ESPN. Not too sure how accurate or current it is, but there is no one really intrigueing on that list. Anthony Weaver could be interesting, but he is more of a 3-4 end than a tackle at 275 pounds. Bring back La’Roi Glover from the dead. Don’t think so. You can’t just sign someone to do it. There needs to be someone better than what you have to make it worthwhile. And yes our DT’s are bad, but that list is pretty awful.

by bloodshot13 on Aug 20, 2009 1:30 PM PDT up reply actions