Raiders re-instate Rolando McClain, cut Ron Bartell

Rolando McClain had been suspended for two games and placed on the reserve/suspended by club list for conduct detrimental to the team. He had a blowup in practice and it was reported that he had said he had "4 million reasons not to care" which prompted him to be kicked out of practice.

He then posted on his facebook page that he was no longer an Oakland Raider and was looking forward to joining a "real team." It remains to be seen what his role will be at this point or how long he will be a Raider. It is possible the team would like to hold onto him until the offseason and then try and get something for him in trade.

According to the Raiders: McClain is not required to return to the team until he has an opportunity to meet with Coach Allen, in Texas for his father's Monday funeral. At some point after his return, Coach Allen will meet with McClain to discuss the linebacker's role.

In a corresponding move, the Raiders cut fullback Owen Schmitt. His role on the team became expendable when the team signed FB/RB Jamize Olawale off the Cowboys' practice squad last week.

Ron Bartell had been benched two weeks ago when he gave up several big plays to the Browns. He was replaced by Phillip Adams who has had an interception in each of the past two weeks. Dennis Allen said he wanted to give the young players a chance to play. Bartell's release is further proof of that.

The team also made the decision to activate former fourth round pick Chimdi Chekwa from the practice squad. Chekwa didn't make the open day roster and was re-signed to the practice squad.

To take Chekwa's spot on the practice squad, the team signed safety Akwasi Owusu-Ansah. This is the third time the team has signed Owusu-Ansah to the practice squad this season.